PERFORMERS from across Wiltshire will be vying for a place on stage as the county prepares to celebrate the Olympic Torch’s passage through the county.

The flame will be snaking its way through Wiltshire and on July 13, as it reaches Salisbury, up to 30,000 people from across the county are expected to descend on the town’s Hudson’s Field.

Acts from each town will perform on various stages there, at the Shine 4 Wiltshire event.

One individual or group will also have the chance to perform alongside a celebrity, whose identity will be announced on Valentine’s Day, February 14.

In order to stake a claim for the coveted prize, Wiltshire’s performers are being invited to showcase their talents with a YouTube video of their work. Links can be sent to the event organisers at Wiltshire Council, on or before February 26.

On February 29, voting will open at a Facebook page and the act with the most votes by March 11 will win the guest spot on the Shine 4 Wiltshire bill.

The winner will be revealed the following day and on March 26 the event’s other supporting acts will be announced.

They may be community groups wanting to showcase dance, music, theatre or other performing arts at the full day event.

Some local arts groups have already expressed an interest.

Choreographer Hannah Rush, of Urban Dance in Trowbridge, said: “Urban dance was once associated with people who wear hoodies and it was generally on the fringe of society, but now it has become commercial and popular.

“Being able to perform on a stage like this will help to get it out there even more, so it is a really exciting time for us.”

Actor Jessica Lucy, 25, who has played Adela, the female lead in Revolution! The Musical, written in Corsham, said: “We want as many people in Wiltshire to see what we are all about and we should be equally proud that something this good has come out of Corsham.”

Dawn Ripley, of the Fitzgraham Academy of Dance in Chippenham, said: “We just want to be able to show the little ones that they too can be a part of the Olympics.

“It really is for everyone; young and old.”

Wiltshire Council leader Jane Scott said: “We wanted to give Wiltshire performers the perfect place to showcase their work and already the response that we’ve had is incredible.

“We’ve got everything you can imagine – from music, drama, and dancing – which is really encouraging.”

YouTube links can be sent to 2012celebrations@wiltshire.gov.uk or, for more information, visit www.facebook.com/wiltshire2012.