FUTURE superstars young and old will be given their time in the spotlight this weekend.

The auditions for the annual Talent Oxford competition at Cowley’s Templars Square Shopping Centre are on Saturday and Sunday.

They will see dozens of singers, comedians and other performers take to the stage in the hope of impressing judges.

Already signed up are Little Bill’s Big Band, a group of 13 young musicians from Thame.

Drummer Jack Twyford, 15, said: “It is quite cool being in a band. We have played a few gigs and were at the Thame Music in the Park this year.

“We are really excited about the audition. We are well-rehearsed and sounding good.”

Lead singer Bryony Creighton, 15, added: “It is really nerve-wracking but we are really excited about being in front of the crowd.

“It will be nice to get the chance to perform in Oxford.”

Another band hoping for stardom is 1st March, made up of five teenagers from Cowley.

Band member Matthew Aldridge, 15, said: “I’m feeling a little bit worried.

“We haven’t learned the song properly yet, but we’ve got a few days.

“We play a lot of classic rock, things like Guns N’ Roses. We’ve done gigs at school but just wanted to get out there really. This is such a great opportunity.”

Also auditioning this weekend is 20-year-old Barton rapper Emmanuel Odwar.

He said: “I’m feeling good, quite confident. I’ve been rapping properly for about three years, when I realised music was something that could be huge for my future.

“It has been steady progress so this will be a great way to get some exposure in Oxford.”

The 24 acts who get through the weekend auditions will go through to a live grand final on Saturday, October 6.

They will be judged by John Partridge, who plays Christian Clarke in EastEnders, R ’n’ B artist J-Sol and SClub 8 singer Stacey McClean.

Organiser Lydiah Igweh said: “We have lots of talented acts involved, a great celebrity line-up and a lot of behind-the-scenes organisation is under way for the auditions and finals.

“I’m so passionate about developing gifted and talented individuals and truly believe that we are making a change in people’s lives.”

The winners of Talent Oxford receive £1,000, a professional website, photoshoot, video show reel and the chance to star in a countywide school tour.

For more details, click on the link to the Talent Oxford website.