TIME is running out for Basingstoke singers to show that they’ve got the Festival Factor.

Entrants can audition for Festival Factor 2013, in Dawsons Music store, in Festival Place – but the deadline to take part is April 14.

Each applicant will be allocated a 10-minute slot to perform and record their song of choice, before the best singers are chosen to go through to the quarter-finals.

Both these and the semi-finals will be held online, with the public voting for their favourite act. The winner will then be chosen by a panel of judges on June 30 at an event in Porchester Square.

Last year’s winner, Natasha Mulvey, a mother-of-one from Chineham, said: “After winning Festival Factor 2012, I have sung at events I never thought possible.

“As well as singing at the Festival Place lights switch-on at Christmas, I was given the opportunity to entertain the Paralympians in the Olympic village on the last day of the event.

“That has been my biggest accomplishment to date, and without Festival Factor as a launch pad, that would never have been possible.”

The competition is being held as part of Basingstoke Festival – a three-week event in the town which ends with Basingstoke Live.

Steven Connolly, Festival Place centre director, said: “Every year, we’re astonished by the level of talent that we see. We’re looking forward to uncovering the next rising singing star.”

Entry forms for Festival Factor are available from Dawsons Music.