If you can sing a note, play a tune and hold your nerve performing in front of other people then it's not too late to sign up for the Bristol auditions of Live and Unsigned, which take place at St George's on Sunday, February 8.

Live and Unsigned is the UK's biggest competition for live acts and original and unsigned artists.

More than 10,000 contestants have entered this year's competition, and 300 will be trying to impress judges in Bristol on Sunday – the seventh of 12 auditions across the country.

Each act – from bands and rappers to acoustic soloists and groups – will audition live in front of a judging panel, instead of simply submitting demo tapes or recordings.

The judges are looking for the region's finest acts – people who can have an audience eating out of the palm of their hands at a live gig and who are talented enough to be professional recording artists. Winners of the auditions will return for regional finals, and then to the national final which will be held in Portsmouth on June 27, where they will play to a 2,000-strong crowd that will include record label agents.

Malcolm McLaren, former manager of the Sex Pistols, will be one of the judges.

The prize for the overall winner of Live and Unsigned 2009 is a recording and management contract plus £20,000 of investment to release a single.

Chris Grayston, spokesman for Live and Unsigned, said: "The auditions have been full of variety this year.

"We have visited five regions so far and the turnout and response has been very successful.

"What people love about the process is that we audition everyone live – the organisers make sure everyone is seen in each location.

"There are no demo tapes or CD submissions – it's just good old traditional live ability and talent.

"If you don't have that, then you're going to struggle.

"We are not just interested in seeing bands, but rappers, singers, acoustic soloists, groups and more. If you have the originality and the talent to cut it live, then you might as well give it a go."

Among the judges at tomorrow's event will be Steve Harnell, acting editor of the Post's entertainment guide Crackerjack.

He said: "Last year's winners Kiddo360 came from the Bristol audition so the 2009 crop of bands has got a lot to live up to.

"However, with our city's local music scene going from strength to strength I'm sure they'll rise to the challenge. Playing in such an unusual venue as St George's should also give the auditions a new twist, too."

Kiddo360, auditioned in Bristol have since gone on to win the Vodafone Live Music award for best live and unsigned act, appearing at London's Brixton Academy alongside Kate Nash, The Ting Tings and Primal Scream.