A COMPETITION that would give one county act the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Ellie Goulding has failed to hit the right note.

Back in November 2013, local charity The Music Pool and the Herefordshire Music Service launched OMG Herefordshire – a search to try and find an aspiring young local band or singer to perform at Birmingham’s LG Arena as part of an event called OMG Live.

But only one act has applied and organisers say they are concerned both for the competition itself, and more widely for the future of emerging music in the county.

Joe Schiavon, project manager, said: “When I was in bands, this is the opportunity that I would have jumped at – it’s not like there’s lots to do to enter.

“We are at a bit of a loss as to why it hasn’t happened. It’s disappointing and it’s a bit of a worry for the future of music in Hereford if there’s not a good supply of bands coming through.”

Organisers say the timing of the competition could be one explanation for the poor response – with young people having mock exams to worry about and spending time with family over Christmas.

The initial deadline was extended to allow further applications over Christmas, but has now been extended again.

"Generating interest in what is a fantastic opportunity and great experience for any young artist should surely not be this difficult? If anything, performers should be banging the door down to get a piece of the action, but that doesn’t seem to be the case.

"So what we’re wondering now is - where are all the young bands and musicians in Herefordshire?” Joe added.

To enter, all performers must do is record a video of themselves performing a song – an original or cover – upload it to YouTube and submit the link via The Music Pool website.

Online submissions now close on Thursday January 23 at 5pm, and all performers must be 19 or under on the date of OMG Live – 24th April 2014 – to be eligible.

Go to musicpool.org.uk/omgherefordshire to enter or for more information.