BRITAIN’S biggest singing competition will visit Bournemouth next month as hundreds of hopefuls find out if they’ve got the X Factor.

Although Simon Cowell is unlikely to make it for the early auditions, producers from the globally famous show will be on-hand to select the best the county has to offer.

Even if the date is more traditionally associated with pranks and gags, the owner of the Obscura Cafe in the Square – where singers will vie for a place – says the joke’s on anyone who misses out.

“It’s going to take place on April Fool’s Day,” Grant Rayner said.

“We’re just not sure what to expect at the moment. There could be queues of people out of the door, or it might be quiet, but we’re hoping that as many as possible come along.”

The hit show, now in its 11th series, aims to find the newest singing sensation from the UK.

Last year’s winner is former prison officer Sam Bailey, who released her debut single – a cover of Demi Lovato’s Skyscraper – after being crowned the victor. The single immediately charted at number one.

Mr Rayner said: “For a show as big as this to hold mobile auditions in Bournemouth is just fantastic.

“Previously, anyone from the area who wanted to take part had to travel quite some distance away to join huge queues. This is going to be so much more intimate.”

He added: “It would be wonderful to have a Bournemouth auditionee make it to the final.” Open auditions will take place in the cafe from 10am until 3pm – or 4.30pm for those in full-time education – on Tuesday, April 1.

Anyone wishing to take part must be aged 16 or over, and can turn up on the day.