The deadline for a town’s musical festival is fast approaching.

Those aiming to be named Maidstone Young Musician of the year for 2025 must first take part in the Maidstone Music Festival, with entries closing next week for the November event.

The festival takes place at Invicta Grammar School on the weekend of November 23 and November 24 and there are classes for all instruments and voice.

From the festival, eight of the most promising musicians will be invited to take part in the Maidstone Young Musician competition.

The contest is sponsored by The Rotary Club of Maidstone Dawn Patrol and will be held on December 1, also at Invicta Grammar School.

There are even opportunities for the entrants to progress to further nationwide Rotary competitions.

Last year, singer Elizabeth Knowles was the runner-up to pianist Ameli Sakai-Ivanoa at the Maidstone contest, but went on to become the UK’s winning singer at national level.

To be eligible, you must be at least grade 6 in your respective instrument and be under 19 on August 31, 2025. You must also have gained a mark of Outstanding or Exceptional in your festival class.

And perhaps surprisingly, you don’t have to live in Maidstone.

The closeing date for the Maidstone Music Festival is October 12. Details on how to enter are here.

For further information, contact Clinton Davis on 07907 677445 or email clintonendavis@btinternet.com.