A NEW family music festival is coming to a town centre which will give budding stars a chance to perform.

Accrington Town Centre will host the #AmazingAccrington- Live event on Saturday, May 5 and feature special guests Tabitha Jade, Ella Shaw and Christian Burrows.

Bands and solo musicians who live or are educated within 15 minutes of the town centre have been invited to submit a video, alongside the application form for a chance to perform on the day.

The two people shortlisted will be given a 30 minute slot on the main stage as well as a £200 cash prize.

The winners will be selected by Accrington's former X Factor contestant Reece Bibby, who has gone from playing in pubs in the area to to international concerts with band, New Hope Club.

The family friendly event will be kick-started at 11:00am by children’s entertainers Mr Tickles and Mr Red, especially for the toddlers and young children.

Murray Dawson, of organisers Scott Dawson Advertising said: “As part of our #AmazingAccrington initiative, we are looking to run this event on the bank holiday weekend to increase footfall and get the tills ringing for shopkeepers in the town.

"Plus it will promote the existing bars and clubs by underpinning the live music they are running in their establishments to ensure new customers come to town for the day and evening.”

There will be numerous food and drinks stalls, suitable for all of the family from 10am until 4pm in Broadway, then later on in the local pubs and clubs.

Pubs looking to run live acts and DJs in the evening include The Abbey, The Arden, Brooks Club, The Castle, Warner Arms and Broadway.

Council leader Cllr Miles Parkinson said: "It's fantastic, we all want the borough to move forward.

"Its' all about planning for the future and getting events in the town centre to get footfall up and work with businesses.

"We want people to be positive and for Accrington to move forward in the right direction."

People wishing to find out more or submit an application form can do so here www.amazingaccrington.co.uk.

All entrants must be over the age of 14 at the time of performing and their 30 minute set, if selected, must include two of their original songs.