Calling tomorrow’s folk stars . . .

The folk stars of tomorrow are once again being invited to apply for a slot competing in the Orkney Folk Festival’s annual Open Stage event.

The competition will take place during the 30th anniversary festival this summer, on Saturday, June 2.

Now in its seventh year, the Open Stage has helped launch the professional careers of several of its winners, with three of the six going on to scoop coveted Danny Kyle Awards at the Celtic Connections festival, in Glasgow, the following year; Maggie Adamson (2007); Jennifer Austin and Louise Bichan (Skalder, 2008) and Broken Strings (2010).

Most recently, Orkney’s No Soond, who were placed runners-up at last year’s event, were one of just a handful of highly commended acts at this year’s Glasgow event.

Application forms can be downloaded from the festival’s website, at www.orkneyfolkfestival.com, completed online or requested via the competition’s dedicated email address, on orkneyopenstage@live.com.

Unfortunately, due to a tight time-slot for the event, not all entries are guaranteed a competing place. Applicants can submit entries until May 13, and will be notified no later than May 20, regarding the status of their application.