Harpenden Live music festival is inviting young performers to apply for the chance to open the event on the main stage.

The festival, which will be held on July 15, aims to highlight new music by featuring a range of up-and-coming bands, including Harpenden's own India Arkin.

Schools and colleges are invited to take part in the competition to open the festival. All bands need to do is submit an mp3 recording of one of their tracks via www.harpenden-live.com, alongside a single page of information about the group.

Dean Inns, one of the directors of Harpenden Live, said: "Our background is in music education and so to be able to offer students the chance to open a festival is fantastic opportunity for a band that are starting out to get their music heard by a large audience."

READ MORE

India Arkin is one of BBC Introducing's top tips, and has been signed to HMV's new vinyl label alongside Brighton band Barbara, who have just supported Haircut 100 at the Shepherd's Bush Empire and The Divine Comedy on their national tour.

Harpenden Live, which also features a food festival and family entertainment, will be held at Warington Fields on Lower Luton Road from midday.