Calling All Woking Bands!!

Local bands are being encouraged to clutch their microphones and warm up their vocal cords as the search for Woking's hottest musical talent begins.

Local singers, bands, orchestras and musical groups are being given the opportunity to perform at Party in the Park, a family-friendly festival that will showcase the very best cultural and sporting talent Woking has to offer.

The party on July 7 next year is organised by Celebrate Woking and will mark the start of the eagerly-awaited London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The chosen talent will get to perform live, alongside other professional performers.

For many years it has been felt, that Woking, whilst having the talent and a rich musical history, had no celebration that all members of the community could attend, to bring together Woking and its diverse communities as one 'Woking community' as the Woking Whirl did in the past. Now, with inspiration from the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games to inspire lasting change, the aim is to encourage participation amongst athletes, artists, education providers, community groups, residents and businesses alike.

Riette Thomas, Celebrate Woking's Project Manager said: "This is the first Party in the Park event and is a fantastic way to get the local community excited about next year's celebrations. We look forward to getting local musical talent involved and giving them the chance to perform in front of thousands of people."

Woking's Party in the Park will kick off the borough's London 2012 final countdown celebrations in the lead-up to the men's and women's Olympic Cycle Road Races which are set to whizz through Byfleet, West Byfleet and Pyrford on July 28 and 29 next year.

If you think you have what it takes to play a key role in the celebrations, complete the application form at www.celebratewoking.info or, alternatively, you can email celebratewoking@woking.gov.uk for more information. Entries close 31 December 2011.