Bands and performers across Wiltshire are being given the opportunity to compete to play in front of thousands of people at this summer’s Armed Forces Day National Event.

The Shine for Salisbury online competition is being launched today (Tuesday, January 29), and marks the start of the countdown to the three-day event in the city and at Hudson’s Field from June 28 to 30.

Bands, acts and performers will compete for three prime time slots on the main stage – one on each of the three days.

The competition is being run on the event’s Facebook page, Salisbury Armed Forces Day National Event 2019.

Acts are being invited to submit footage of themselves performing which will be uploaded to the page in February.

The public will be able to vote for their favourite and the winners will be announced in March.

Baroness Scott of Bybrook, leader of Wiltshire Council, said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for bands and performers from all our communities across Wiltshire to take part in this high profile national event and to show their support for our armed forces.

"This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to perform in front of thousands of people at the biggest event in Wiltshire in 2019 and we want to hear from military and civilian performers.

“Armed Forces Day National Event will be broadcast not just across the UK but to our troops abroad and to an international audience so this is an opportunity not to be missed.

“We’re keen to hear from all kinds of bands, acts and performers and to hope as many as possible will enter. Good luck to everyone, we look forward to seeing your entries.”

Armed Forces Day National Event 2019 will be the biggest free to attend event in Wiltshire in 2019.

It will be a thank you to the Armed Forces and their families, who contribute so much to our community.

It will also recognise and thank the specialist military teams that cleaned up the city and Amesbury following last year’s incidents.