The deadline is fast approaching for new and upcoming bands to enter the Next Big Thing.

The deadline is fast approaching for new and upcoming bands to enter the Next Big Thing.

More than 60 bands have already entered the big Norwich contest by submitting online entries with mp3 files of their music – and bands still wanting to enter have until Wednesday to get their submissions in.

A panel of judges will go through the entries next Friday to create a shortlist of 20 bands, who will battle it out on stage for a shot at their big break.

The winner will walk away with studio time at former Darkness star Dan Hawkins' studio Leeders Farm, music equipment worth �500, professional photos and support slots for touring bands as well as �1,000 cash.

This year's competition, sponsored by the Evening News, is open to new and emerging musicians and bands from Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridge who have not yet signed to a label.

Future Radio station manager Tom Buckham said: 'What's been really striking is the variety of acts and genres who have entered. We've got everything from elec-tronic to metal to folk to indie.'

Last year's competition attracted a record 136 entries from local bands and saw the closest final in the competition's seven-year history, with winners Console Wars beating Alloy Ark to the title by just one mark.

It was also the first year where the online entry system was used, with bands signing up on Future Radio's website to create online profiles. Every band that enters before this year's deadline will have their music, pictures and website posted online.

Twelve entrants will be shortlisted by an independent panel to play in two semi-finals at the Brickmakers B2 venue in Norwich on October 24 and 31.

The panel of judges includes music journalist Wendy Roby, Rick Lennox formerly of One Little Indian and Polydor, Emma Roberts from Outline magazine, Ben Hall from Future Radio music team, Norwich Sound and Vision's Adrian Cook and Sophie Little from BBC Norfolk Introducing.

The top six bands will fight for the top title at Open on Bank Plain in Norwich on November 14.

Go to www.eveningnews24.co.uk for news of gigs in and around the city.