THE Isle of Wight Festival are once again pledging to support emerging talent by teaming up with HOT VOX to find three talented new artists to perform at the festival.

The competition, now in its third year, has seen applications from more 5,000 budding musicians, all keen to be considered for one of three slots up for grabs at the legendary festival.

If that is not enough, Powerstudio London are offering up four days studio as an additional prize, with producer Benny D, who has worked with and produced Stormzy, Boy George, Kylie, The Killers, Lily Allen, Robbie Williams, Depeche Mode and many more.

Keen to ensure homegrown talent is well represented within the competition, a very special IW heat, taking place at Strings Bar and Venue on Saturday, April 6, will see five Island bands perform live for a chance to win a fast-track to the grand final in London.

They will be performing in the hope of impressing a special guest judge, tasked with hand-picking the most festival-worthy band out of the bunch.

The five Island bands are Clippa Sound, The Orders, Sub Pacific, BOCA and Mr Strange.

Festival organiser, John Giddings, said: "There are so many great unsigned artists out there so this is all about discovering them.

"It's fantastic to give new bands and new talent the chance to play at one of the biggest festivals of the summer, featuring legendary acts.

"It really is a once in a lifetime opportunity.

"Every band in the country should be putting themselves forward for this."