THE region’s brightest musical talents go head to head to compete for the prestigious title Young Musician of Malvern at the Malvern Festival’s 80th anniversary celebrations at the end of this month.

The finals take place at malvern Theatres on May 31 and the eventual winner will scoop £500 of prize money as well as the opportunity to perform during the Malvern Festival.

The young musician competition is in keeping with the festival’s ethos of supporting and promoting the arts.

Honorary festival director Nic Lloyd said: ”We are very excited about the musical talent that will emerge as a result of this competition.

“Barry Jackson and George Bernard Shaw started the festival to celebrate artistic talent and earn Malvern national recognition for its commitment to the arts. The competition is in line with that ideology.”

He said countless musicians of outstanding calibre had played at Malvern Theatres and he was delighted to offer the same opportunity to up and coming stars.

One of the finalists, Bethan Gauci, who plays the harp, said: “I’m looking forward to the final as competitions are always great opportunities to perform, which is very important if you want to take music further. Also competing with others can be a great opportunity to learn from the other competitors.”

Following a series of heats the finalists who will be competing on May 31 are Martyn Jackson, violin; Bethan Gauci, harp; Andrew McDade, tuba; Elizabeth Allen, clarinet; George Lacey, piano; James Moore, piano.

The finalists will perform their chosen music in the first half of the evening. After an interval, Charlie Green, who was a ten-year-old finalist on last year’s Britain’s Got Talent, will perform a 20 minute set after which the judges will announce the winner of the competition. Competition judges include local composer Paul Farrar (who composed the Weakest Link theme tune), Malvern Theatres director Nic Lloyd and David Curtis, conductor of the Orchestra of the Swan.

Tickets for the Young Musician of Malvern Contest are free but booking is essential. Contact Malvern Theatres on 01684 892277.