SOME of the best young musicians in East Hampshire will be competing in a new music contest in February.

Named Class Acts, the event will celebrate the musical talent of secondary school pupils across the district and give them the opportunity to showcase their skills in front of their class-mates, other schools and their families.

The Petersfield School, Bedales School, Bohunt School in Liphook, and Treloar School and College in Alton have all signed up and will be nominating one act each to perform at Old Thorns in Liphook on February 5.

The act can be of any genre, from a classical solo singer to a heavy metal band – the aim of the event is to showcase a variety of musical talent.

Schools can choose their act in any way they wish – they can hold heats or auditions, request submissions or just choose a well-known school performer.

Judged by a panel, categories will include Best Act, Best Performance and MIND Special Recongnition Award.

Organised by East Hampshire District Council and Rocksteady Music School, and supported by Havant and East Hampshire MIND, the event will coincide with Children’s Mental Health Week – a national campaign designed to shine the spotlight on the importance of children and young people’s mental health.