Young people across the borough have the chance to step into the limelight by taking part in the upcoming Wandsworth Young Performer of the Year competition.

Auditions for the annual celebration of local talent, which aims to showcase a diverse range of acts and genres, begin next month – and anyone aged 14 to 19 years old who either lives, studies or attends a youth club in Wandsworth can take part.

The contest is organised by Wandsworth Council’s arts and youth services teams, along with creative youth agency Industry In The Streets (IITS).

Organisers are hoping to discover a wealth of hidden talent, including dancers, singers MCs, poets, musicians, beatboxers and comedians. Solo and group acts are welcome to take part.

Auditions begin on Saturday, December 7, at Battersea Arts Centre between 2pm and 6pm, and will take place in several venues across Wandsworth.

Other audition dates include Wednesday, December 11, at Roehampton Youth Club between 4pm and 8pm, Saturday, December 14 from 12pm to 4pm at Tooting Youth Hub.

The final audition dates is Sunday, December 15 from 12pm to 4pm at World Heartbeat Music Academy.

The winner will be selected by a panel of industry judges at the final, which will take place at Wandsworth’s Civic Suite on Sunday, February 23, 2014.

Prizes will be presented by the Mayor of Wandsworth and will consist of development packages including studio sessions.

To register for an audition or to arrange for someone from IITS to visit to your school, college or youth centre to present the project or deliver a taster session, email info@industryinthestreets.co.uk or call 07946 195 371.