TIME is running out for people to enter the Ripon Young Musicians of the Year 2018 competition.

The event is billed as ‘a celebration of all young musicians in the area’ and aims to encourage the musical talent of young people who live, are at school or have private music lessons within 15 miles of the centre of Ripon.

The 2018 competition takes place on the evening of Friday, November 16 and Saturday 17, at St John’s Church, Sharow, and all young players and singers are encouraged to put in their entries now.

The contest has seven classes that offer an opportunity for players and singers at any level, from beginners to highly-accomplished musicians, to perform in front of an audience.

The classes include a popular ‘Two Skills’ class, where competitors can show their abilities on two instruments, or on instrument and voice, and an ensemble class of groups of from two to ten musicians.

Everyone who enters the competition is given a certificate, and winners receive cash prizes, as well as cups and medals.

From the winners, a number of competitors will be chosen to compete in the national Rotary Young Musician competition.

A concert will take place at St John’s Church in Sharow when the winners will all perform on the Saturday evening after the competition, starting at 7.30pm.

The concert will also include performances by the choir from St Mary’s School and a string group directed by Jess Hayne.

This year’s adjudicator is Scottish bass, conductor and music pedagogue, Alasdair Jamieson. He divides his time between teaching, research work and performance.

Ripon Young Musicians of the Year is organised by Ripon Rotary Club, the Rotary Club of Ripon Rowels and Inner Wheel Clubs and the Rotary Club and Inner Wheel Club of Ripon Rowels.

For further information about the event or to find an entry form for the competition visit www.rymy.co.uk or call 01765-600389.