IF you think your band have got what it takes to play at this year’s Rhythms of the World festival then an exciting competition sponsored by The Comet could be your ticket to success.

Supported by North Herts College, Route2Rhythms will give any Hertfordshire artist the chance to impress a panel of judges at a special gig held at Hitchin’s Club 85 in March.

All acts must have at least 30 minutes of original material, must not exceed 10 members and can’t have played last year’s festival.

Steve Smither, performance director for the festival, said: “This is something Rhythms of the World has never done before but we thought our 20th festival was a good opportunity to find and showcase yet more local talent. We are looking for quality and originality in the winning act which will be announced at the live final on March 24th 2011”.

This can be done either online, with the songs as MP3s, or via post with a CD.

Rhythms of the World will shortlist four bands from the applicants who will perform in the live final held at Club 85.

This year is the 20th anniversary of the festival, held at the Priory in Hitchin, and the winning act will have a 30 minute slot to mark the occasion.

To find out how to submit your entry, CLICK HERE �

David Pitcher, assistant principal for Creative and Cultural Industries at North Hertfordshire College, said: “It will give some exciting new opportunities for our music students as we move towards the end of the year, it’s a chance for them to hone their skills and could be very fruitful for them. It’s an amazing opportunity for them to take part in a competition for Rhythms of the World.”

*All submissions must be received before February 28.