THE Press is launching a contest to select one more talented act to appear at the Lord Mayor of York’s charity gala in the spring.

The 7pm concert on March 29 at York Barbican is part of Councillor Ian Gillies’s drive to raise funds for his two charities, York Against Cancer and York Teaching Hospital Charity.

A strong line-up has been assembled already, including a specially commissioned choir, York Civic Orchestra, York Concert Band, The Grand Old Uke Of York and Sam Johnson’s Big Band, but organiser Graham Bradbury still has room on the bill for a “wild card” slot. Now The Press is inviting nominations for a special gala concert competition, to be judged by a panel chaired by the newspaper’s arts editor, Charles Hutchinson.

“The successful act could shine in a variety of areas, from magic or juggling to singing and dancing,” says Graham, who stipulates that all nominations must be accompanied by a Youtube clip of the entrant performing.

Entries should be emailed to charles.hutchinson@nqyne.co.uk by January 31 or visit our website yorkpress.co.uk to enter online.

Tickets for the Barbican concert are on sale at £14, concessions and children aged under 14 £2, on 0844 854 2757 or at yorkbarbican.co.uk