OPEN auditions for Bexley’s talent competition the BeXfactor start tomorrow (March 2).

The first one takes place at Townley Grammar School, Townley Road, Bexleyheath, from 4pm to 9pm.

Others are happening at Erith School, Avenue Road, Erith, on March 21 from 12pm to 5pm and at Chislehurst and Sidcup Grammar School, Hurst Road, Sidcup, on March 23 from 4pm to 9pm.

The contest is open to anyone aged between 14 and 25 who lives or goes to school or college in the borough, and includes every ability and musical style, from classical to rap.

As well the open auditions this month, professional talent scouts will watch artists perform at their gigs and, as they progress through the rounds, contestants will be offered “boot camps” to build on their musical skills.

There will also be mentoring by acclaimed musical artists.

Bexley promises there will be no negative feedback or “bullying judges” and those who do not go any further will get information about the music services available to them in the borough.

About 60 successful competitors will be chosen from the auditions and invited to separate boot camps to build on their musical skills and work towards an accredited musical qualification.

For the 20 young people chosen for the final stage of the competition there will be mentoring from acclaimed artists - whose identities are currently being kept under wraps.

They will also perform live on the main stage at this year’s Danson Festival in July, with their celebrity mentors, and have the opportunity to make their own CD.

And for the lucky winner there will be a scholarship to Point Blank, the music college in north London whose past pupils include X Factor winner Leona Lewis.

The competition will have its own BeXfactor Facebook page where anyone interested can join in, add links to their own or their band’s website, or just follow the progress of the contestants and pick their own favourites.

The young musicians will also be invited to let the contest’s professional, music industry talent scouts have details of their local gigs, and to attend open auditions.

Would-be contestants can leave messages on the competition hotline on 020 9294 6958 giving details about any gigs, events, classes or rehearsals happening this month which the talent scouts can visit to see them in action.

BeXfactor is being organised by Bexley Council and the Point Blank Music College, and funded by the Arts Council of England.