BRITAIN'S Got Talent is enthralling the nation as it searches for a new superstar.

Millions tune in every Saturday to watch entertainers take the stage in front of judges Simon Cowell, Piers Morgan and Amanda Holden to compete for a chance to perform at this year's Royal Variety Performance.

However, the format is nothing new. In fact, Dorset has had its own version of the show for 80 years.

Launched by Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra founder Sir Dan Godfrey in 1927, the Bournemouth Music Competitions Festival attracts entrants from all over the country, with thousands taking part every year.

Many locals don't even realise it exists. But organisers are certain there is a place for the festival in the next 80 years - as long as the audience support continues to grow.

"At the present rate of progress we would say it will absolutely keep going," said public relations officer Eileen Rawlings.

"Look at the following for things like Britain's Got Talent - everybody's interested.

"It's such fun to see somebody doing something to the best of their ability and wondering, are they going to win or not?

"I think there would be an outcry if we did fold because there's a demand for the experience."

The festival begins with dancing (May 24 to 31) at Oakmead College of Technology.

Youngsters come from far and wide to compete in the event, which offers the chance to qualify for the All England Championships.

The main part of the festival takes place three weeks later (June 23 to July 4 ) and includes music, speech and drama classes.

"It's got bigger over the years," said Eileen. "We are always looking to add things that people think might be good and bring it up to date. Keyboard is the new thing this year."

With such a wide range of classes, there really is something for everyone. There is no upper or lower age limit and performers of any standard are welcome.

"They compete at whatever level they are, just for the fun of competing," explained Eileen.

"It's all about giving people who enjoy performing - whether they're dancers or actors or singers or players - the opportunity to perform and then have professional adjudication so they have a chance to improve.

"Then at the end of it, it culminates with the festival concert at the Pavilion. The performers are selected from 1,600 people who have entered, so we try and get the most outstanding ones."

There are certainly some extremely talented performers.

International cellist Natalie Clein and leading pianist Alison Farr are among previous entrants.

While all the classes are competitive, the festival prides itself on being friendly, with organisers - who are all volunteers - booking only the most encouraging adjudicators.

"The adjudicators come from all over the country," said Eileen.

"It does depend on the quality of the adjudicators so much. That's what people come for - to have really top-class adjudicators and classes.

"For those who win, that's great, and for those that don't, they've had the fun of performing and being clapped by an audience."

Those who would rather watch than perform themselves are also welcomed at the festival.

All classes are open to the public and there is an open choirs day held at the Pavilion, where spectators can listen to both the singing and the adjudication.

While the event has its core audience of family and friends of entrants, as well as a number of "off the street" spectators, Eileen is keen to attract more followers.

"Our chairman, Douglas Eyre, says it's Bournemouth's best-kept secret and it really is.

"There's all this wonderful work going on and so many people don't know it's there. Even people that have lived in Bournemouth for years don't necessarily know it's there and what it is.

"It is gradually growing, but if I could change anything I would get more spectators to watch because they're missing out.

"There really is something for everybody."

l Full programme details are available from the festival office at 39 Christchurch Road, Bournemouth, BH1 3NS, 01202 556023 or bmthfestival@aol.com.

7:00pm Tuesday 20th May 2008

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