Barford musician reaches talent contest final

Olivia Bonner-Evans, set for the regional final of Live and Unsigned on Saturday. (s)

A TALENTED singer-songwriter from Barford is a step closer to musical stardom after reaching the regional final of Live and Unsigned 2012.

Olivia Bonner-Evans, who went to school in Shottery near Stratford and now studies veterinary medicine at Nottingham University, has been playing guitar and penning her own songs for several years, performing at pubs in Barford and at a several other local venues.

And having read about the competition online the 19-year-old decided to apply and take her music to another level.

In auditions at the Birmingham NEC had just two minutes to impress judges but did so with a performance of her own song called 'Dreams'.

Back at the venue for the live regional final on Saturday (March 24), she will get a shade longer - three and a half minutes – to further showcase her talents.

She told the paper: "I am so, so nervous, and have been practising every day in preparation.

"I play a laid-back sort of style of music, as well as more up-tempo stuff, and like to put my own spin on songs.

"Even if I don't make it through to the grand final I could still get slots at some festivals so it is a great opportunity."

If she does get through then a grand final at the O2 Arena in London awaits in July, with the chance to win gig spots across the globe and thousands of pounds worth of musical equipment and studio time.

Some of those who do not make it through will still get the opportunity to play UK festivals such as Strawberry Fields and Osfest.

This year’s competition – which as ever is open original acts in all genres of music from folk to rap - also offers acts an extra chance for exposure as it is being filmed for Sky TV for a fly-on-the-wall documentary.