COMMON People 2017 organisers are teaming up with the Joiners once again to launch the third edition of I Want to Play at Common People.

An unmissable chance to bag a set at this year’s festival, held on Southampton Common over the Spring Bank Holiday, May 27 and 28, they are searching for the most exciting new bands on the South Coast.

One of last year's two winners, Wild Front, were upgraded to the Main Stage. The Southampton four piece played the gig of their lives as they opened the entire festival, sharing the stage with the likes of Craig David and Duran Duran

Faux also appeared at Common People 2016 after entering the competition.

Curator Rob da Bank says: “I grew up going to the Joiners, pogoing in one of the smallest venues in the UK, but also one of the coolest. We love coming back each year to see what amazing talent Southampton has to offer to play at our Common People show. Roll on the heats!”

To apply, you need to send one track to localacts@commonpeople.net with a maximum of 100 words telling us why you want to play Common People by Friday January 27, that’s in just over a week’s time, so you need to act fast. And don’t forget to include your act name, number of members, your location and your social media links.

Judges will listen to every submission and will notify their top picks by January 30. Finals will be held at the Joiners in Southampton on Tuesday February 14, Tuesday March 14 and Thursday April 20.

If you’re not entering the competition but want to come and check out the cream of Hampshire’s band scene, entry is just £3.

The competition finals will be judged by the Joiners’ Ricky Bates, Common People head honcho, Rob da Bank, BBC Introducing Solent presenter Stephanie Nieuwenhuys and a crack team of music experts. The winners, chosen by our esteemed panel, will win a coveted set at the third annual Common People on the Uncommon Stage presented by The Joiners!