Young people are invited to audition for The Next Big Thing 2019, a talent competition for 10- to 18-year-olds in aid of Junior Achievement Isle of Man.

Now in its eighth year the talent competition offers young people the chance to perform in the live final at Gaiety Theatre on Saturday, February 9, 2019.

The winner will take home a cash prize of £500, sponsored by the Steam Packet; the runner-up £250 cash sponsored by Manx Professional and Educational Services Ltd; and third place £150 cash sponsored by the Platform Theatre School.

Junior Achievement chief executive Sue Cook said: ’Over the years The Next Big Thing has acquired a tremendous following and revealed some truly inspirational young performers. In February this year 15-year-old magician Giles Beaumont thrilled the audience and amazed the judges to become The Next Big Thing 2018.

’We know from past experience there’s a huge pool of outstanding talent in the island and we’re looking for acts of all kinds. The Next Big Thing is much more than a talent competition, though. It’s a fantastic community event that plays to a packed house and, importantly, gives young artists a confidence-boosting opportunity to showcase their talent to what’s always an appreciative and very supportive audience.

’We’ll be holding the auditions on Saturday, October 20, and Sunday, October 21, and we can’t wait to discover what surprising new talent there’ll be in store this year.’

Applications to audition are open until Wednesday, October 5. To apply, visit thenextbigthing.im

The event is sponsored by Paragon Recruitment, SmartHR and Energy FM,