Mark Garnier MP is once again supporting musicians and film-makers from Wyre Forest by encouraging local artists to enter Parliament's two largest creative competitions, Rock the House and Film the House.
The competition, now in its fifth year, offers the opportunity to put local musicians and film-makers in direct contact with the movers and shakers of the two industries and gives Wyre Forest's best the chance to take front and centre stage. In 2013 The Boar's Head in Kidderminster won the 'Best Small Music Venue' category, setting the standard for future entrants. Kidderminster has a strong cultural past as a major musical hub in the 60s and 70s, with the Town Hall and Frank Freeman's Dance Club playing host to both major and up-and-coming bands. The town can boast hosting the likes of Manfred Mann, as well as Led Zeppelin front man Robert Plant. The competition seeks to continue in this vein, providing creative talent with a platform to showcase their music.
Musicians and film makers enter their original material to Mark and his panel of expert local judges, who ultimately nominate one entrant per competition category. A panel of industry executives preside over selecting the finalists and winners, who go on to have their pieces played in front of leading industry figures and win an array of prizes, from equipment, festival slots, exposure, recording sessions, radio and TV airplay and more.
The Rock the House and Film the House competitions are a pioneering opportunity to showcase what Wyre Forest has to offer, raising awareness about the importance of Intellectual property (IP) to our creative industries and country.
Mark Garnier said: "The wealth of creative talent in Wyre Forest has been accurately reflected in recent years, and this year should be no different. As a district we are renowned for our musical heritage, and past entrants have gone on to win their respective categories. I fully appreciate the importance of performance and creative exposure, and I am thoroughly looking forward to receiving as many submissions as possible.''
Dates for the 2016 competitions are:
- 1st May, closing date for entries to MPs
- 31st May, closing date for MPs to announce their constituency nominations
- 20th June, final battle of the bands
- 4th July, awards ceremony
More information on how to apply for each competition can be found at:
- Rock the House - www.rockthehouseuk.com
- Film the House - www.filmthehouse.com