YOUNG performers are urged to take part in talent contests across the county this summer.

The Big Big Boogie event, in July, is being staged by North Yorkshire County Council's youth service, Connecting Youth Culture.

Last year, almost 4,000 young people aged from 13 to 19 descended on Harrogate to enjoy what has grown into the county's premier festival. This year, the event has switched to the fields at Stonecross, Northallerton.

Auditions for the dance section will be held from 7pm to 11pm, in Pickering Memorial Hall on Friday; Hambleton Forum, Northallerton, next Saturday; Skipton Town Hall on June 8 and Harrogate High School on June 15. Separate musical heats will be held from 7pm to 11pm at Vivaz, in Scarborough, on Thursday; Hambleton Forum, Northallerton, on June 9 and Brooklands Youth Centre, in Malton, on June 16. Finals will be staged at the festival.

Entry forms are available from Richie Mitchell on (01609) 780780 extension 2618.

Rock bands will take part in an elimination contest in Bedale next Friday and Saturday.

Ten bands from Bedale High School and colleges in the area will feature in a knockout competition for places in the final of a battle of the bands, a key feature of a summer festival in June.

The Bedale and villages community plan forum is hosting the two semi-final events from 7.30pm in the Chantry Hall, next to St Gregory's Church. There is a £3.50 entrance fee.

The summer festival will be held in Bedale Hall park on June 10, from 10am to 11.30pm, and includes a large fair organised by Crow and Sons of Northallerton, bouncy castles and slides, stalls, a car boot sale, and a large cinema screen to show England's first match in the World Cup.