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´óÏó´«Ã½ Radio 2 is once again searching for outstanding young musicians and singers and inviting entries to the Radio 2 Young Folk Award 2011.

Launched last night – Wednesday 28 July – by Mike Harding, in his weekly Radio 2 folk show, the competition is looking for performers aged between 15 and 20 of folk, roots or acoustic music from any culture. It is open to soloists, duos and groups.

Full information on how to enter can be found online at bbc.co.uk/radio2/folk. Applications must be submitted by 1 October 2010.

The first stage of the competition will be judged on a submitted recording. Ten successful entries will then be invited to take part in a semi-final audition weekend in Kendal, Cumbria, between 12 and 14 November 2010.

The audition weekend includes sessions and workshops and will provide the opportunity for the musicians and singers to meet and perform. Respected folk musicians Nancy Kerr and Robert Harbron will tutor at the workshops.

The weekend culminates in a concert, presented by Mike Harding, and is open to members of the public, featuring performances from each semi-finalist. A panel of judges will then select a shortlist of four acts to go through to the final stage.

Bob Shennan, Controller Radio 2 and 6 Music, says: "I attended the Radio 2 Folk Awards on my first day in the role as Controller of Radio 2 and 6 Music in 2009 and was immediately struck by the passion and devotion of everyone involved.

"We remain committed to nurturing new talent and offering a unique platform to young artists to showcase their performances."

The prizes for the winner of the Radio 2 Young Folk Award include the opportunity to record a session for Mike's show and to perform at top UK festivals, including the prestigious Cambridge Folk Festival.

Previous winners of the Radio 2 Young Folk Award include Tim van Eyken, who won the inaugural title in 1998, Black Cat Theory, Uiscedwr, Bodega, Last Orders, Megan & Joe Henwood and last year's winner James Findlay.

The ´óÏó´«Ã½ Radio 2 Young Folk Award is produced by Smooth Operations in association with Mike Harding's folk show.

Mike Harding can be heard each Wednesday evening between 7-8pm on ´óÏó´«Ã½ Radio 2.

SH3