GBRT JUNIOR X FACTOR

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Our annual talent competition provides opportunity for young people to develop their performance skills. You don’t need any previous experience to enter, and we welcome entries from singers, instrumentalists, groups and composers/songwriters. 

Everyone who enters is invited to come to a heat audition where they perform for our friendly panel of expert judges. Finalists are selected based on their performance with an emphasis on communication and musicality. That means that everyone has a chance of reaching the finals, not just those with the most experience or highest grade. 

Why enter?

  • Build confidence
  • Gain performance or composing experience
  • Receive constructive expert feedback 
  • Meet other young musicians
  • Compete in a supportive environment
  • Chance to win prizes to help you progress

Eligibility checklist:

Square Check  Do you live within 20 miles of Market Harborough?

Square Check  Are you in school years 1 to 13?

Square Check  Are you able to attend a heat audition on 27/28th February?

Square Check  Are you available for the Finals Concert on Saturday 6th March?

Some previous winners of the competition have gone on to study music at Conservatoire or University and to successful professional careers in music. Others have continued to enjoy singing or playing their instrument as a hobby. 


“Winning GBRT’s Junior X Factor remains a cherished memory of mine; it inspired me to really take my passion for music seriously.”

Sam, 2013 Winner

“GBRT gave me the confidence and opportunity to develop my love of music in a safe and enjoyable environment…. I am forever grateful for GBRT being part of my life.”   Andrew, 2016 Winner

GBRT Junior X Factor 2027 

Entries for the next competition open in January 2027.



GBRT Junior X Factor 2027 Prizes

All finalists will receive a medal and certificate, and in addition:

  • 1st Prize - £50 music store vouchers, £200 instrumental or vocal lessons and a trophy
  • 2nd Prize - £25 music store vouchers, £175 instrumental or vocal lessons and a trophy
  • 3rd Prize - £25 music store vouchers, £125 instrumental or vocal lessons and a trophy
  • Best Original Composition - £100 music store vouchers and a trophy
  • Elizabeth Howe Award for Most Promising Performers - £100 instrumental or vocal lessons

Eligibility checklist:

Square Check  Do you live within 20 miles of Market Harborough?

Square Check  Are you in school years 1 to 13?

Square Check  Are you able to attend a heat audition on 27/28th February?

Square Check  Are you available for the Finals Concert on Saturday 6th March?

Competition Timeline 2027

Entries open:
1st January 2027

Entries close:
20th February 2027

Heat auditions will be held on: 27/28th February 2027

Finals Concert will be held on: Saturday 6th March 2027 

Enter as a Performer

  • You may enter as a soloist or in a group.
  • Only one entry per person on the same instrument as a soloist is allowed, but you can also enter on a different instrument/voice or on the same instrument as part of a group. 
  • All entrants will be invited to a heat audition where you should perform one song or piece of up to 5 minutes in length.
  • Performances must either be unaccompanied or accompanied by a pre-recorded backing track on CD/MP3. Accompanists are not allowed.
  • Finalists must perform the same song or piece in the Finals Concert as they performed in the heats.
  • There is no minimum or maximum number of finalists - all entrants who reach the required standard will be given the opportunity to perform in the finals concert.
  • Audio or video recording of any of the auditions or finals performances is not permitted.

How to enter

  • Complete an Entry Form - link below
  • After the closing date we will email details of your heat time. If there are any times during the heat audition period that you are not available (eg due to Saturday morning music school) it is important that you let us know on the entry form as it may not be possible to change heat times once they have been shared. 
  • Heat auditions will last for approx 8-10 minutes. 
  • You will be notified by email within 48 hours of the end of the heats whether or not you have been selected to perform in the Finals Concert.
  • All entrants receive constructive feedback from our panel. 
  • A piano, laptop/CD player for backing tracks, music stands and microphones will be provided for the heats and the Finals. All other instruments and equipment must be provided by the entrant.

Enter as a Composer/Songwriter

Write an original piece of music or song up to 5 minutes long, in any musical style and for any instruments - acoustic, synth or voice.

Record and save your composition as a high-quality MP3 using your name as the filename. Digital recordings from composition software are permitted.

The recordings will be marked by our judging panel and the top three compositions will be played at the finals concert where the winner will be announced.

How to enter

Complete an Entry Form - link here

Click here to send an MP3 of your composition/song by email by the closing date.

‍Previous competitions

‍2026

‍1st Place - Alice Green, Voice; 2nd Place - Esme Howard, Voice; 3rd Place - Lily Vasey, Voice

‍Most Promising Performers - Elsbeth Williams, Nieve Heslop and Matilda Hart, Voice

‍2025 

‍1st Place - Oliver Horn, Clarinet; 2nd Place - Lily Vasey, Voice; 3rd Place - Elsbeth Williams, Voice

‍Most Promising Performers - Charlotte Tona, Nieve Heslop and Dylan Eldridge, Voice

‍2024

‍1st Prize - Flo Smith, flute; 2nd Prize - Liam Jarvis, voice; 3rd Prize - Riley Vick, trombone

‍Best Original Composition - Oliver Horn, Most Promising Performers - Ellwood Till on drums and Elspeth Williams on voice

‍2023

‍Best Vocal Performance and Overall Winner - Isabel Southwood, Voice and Piano

‍Best Instrumental Performance - Ollie Hensher, Drums

‍Best Group Performance - Tom Southwood and Dylan Eldridge, Voice

‍Best Original Composition - Joseph Walton

‍Most Promising Vocalist - Phoebe Hensher

‍Most Promising Instrumentalist - Elwood Till, Drums

‍2022

‍Best Vocal Performance and Overall Winner - Lily Ingall, Voice

‍Best Instrumental Performance - Emmeline Rose Hamilton, Lever Harp

‍Best Original Composition - Sam Benson

‍Most promising vocalist - Lily Vasey, Voice

‍Most promising instrumentalist - Jude Ascough, Drums

Photographs of young people taking part in Junior X Factor competitions
Group of Junior X Factor finalists
Group of Junior X Factor finalists
Group of Junior X Factor finalists
Group of Junior X Factor finalists

Audition information

  • Talk to your singing or instrumental teacher about choosing a piece for your heat audition. They may also be able to help you find a suitable backing track if needed. You will perform the same piece or song in both the heats and the Final, so choose something you enjoy and feel confident performing.
  • You can also find backing tracks on YouTube by searching for a karaoke version of your song. Make sure you practise with the track beforehand so that you are completely familiar with it.
  • Please bring your backing track on a USB stick, CD or mobile phone. If using a phone, please switch it to aeroplane mode to avoid interruptions. Alternatively, you can email your backing track to us in advance.
  • Bring your instrument, music and any other equipment you require. A piano, music stands and microphones will be provided.
  • Wear whatever you feel comfortable in. There is no need to dress formally.
  • The heats take place at Great Bowden Village Hall. When you arrive, please enter through the signposted side door and sign in at the registration desk.
  • Please arrive at least 10 minutes before your audition time.
  • If you need to warm up or prepare your instrument, you may do so in the waiting room.
  • If you are auditioning on drum kit, we will allow extra time for setting up and packing away your equipment.
  • When it is your turn, one of our volunteers will show you where to go. Parents and carers are welcome to help carry large instruments or equipment, but will be asked to wait outside the audition room during the performance.
  • Our friendly judging panel will welcome you and ask a few questions about the piece or song you have chosen. If you are using a backing track, we will check the volume with you before you begin. Pianists will have the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the piano before their audition starts.
  • Once you have finished your performance, you are free to leave.
  • We will email you within 48 hours to let you know whether you have been selected to perform in the Final concert.

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