THE BIG BIG GIG & IT'S IN THE CAN AMATEUR FILM COMPETITION

 The Big Big Gig music challenge and It's In The Can Amateur Film Competition will take place at Theatr Colwyn .

 The Big Big Gig is part of a project being worked on by employees at the venue and The Arts Council of Wales to create a recording studio and rehearsal room.

As part of this project, six local performers | bands, aged 11 to 18, who are resident in Conwy or attend full-time education in the county, are being given the chance to compete in a ‘battle of the bands' style event on Saturday, May 17.

Performers and bands are invited to submit a tape or CD for judging by an independent panel. Six of the best will be invited to take part in the May showcase and at the end of the night the overall winners will be announced.

The first prizewinner will receive £600 worth of gig gear vouchers, while the second place prize is £200 worth of vouchers. For full details, an application form and terms and conditions, email: theatrcolwyn@conwy.gov.uk or call in to the venue on Abergele Road , Colwyn Bay .

Phil Batty, theatre manager, said: “Hopefully, this will be the start of a regular ‘big gig' at Theatr Colwyn, giving young musicians the chance to perform in a professional setting.

“Who knows, the next big band of the future might get their big break at this competition!”

Meanwhile, budding Stephen Spielberg's who dream of seeing their work appearing on the big screen can submit their short films for consideration in the inaugural It's In The Can Amateur Film Festival.

To qualify, the film (VHS or DVD format only) must have a running time of 25 minutes or under and must have been made no earlier than January 2007. It can be live action, animation, fiction or non-fiction and preferably not submitted to any other short film competitions.

A selection panel will preview all entries and those short-listed will be shown at a special screening at Theatr Colwyn later in the year. Two winners (under 18s & over 18s) will be announced at the end of the screening day, taking home the first ever In The Can Amateur Film Festival trophies.

Joann Rae, marketing officer at Theatr Colwyn, said: “There must be lots of people out there who make short films as a hobby, or have a great idea and would like to make one.

“Those who get through to the final screening will have the chance to see their film shown on a full-size cinema screen at a venue which usually shows blockbusters, independent and art house films. It's a great opportunity for someone just starting out as an amateur filmmaker.”

Download THE BIG BIG GIG application form here :: Download IT'S IN THE CAN AMATEUR FILM COMPETITION application form here