Musicians hoping to take to the stage in the Pentland Finchley Carnival School Rock Band Competition should get their applications in now to be sure of a place.

The deadline for applications is July 11, but with only 12 places left, carnival organiser Vicky Churchill warns that many may have to be turned away.

The competition, which is sponsored by the Times Series, is open to all secondary schools within 18 miles of Victoria Park, in Ballards Lane, Finchley, where the carnival takes place. To take part, bands must be available to play from July 16 to 20.

Mrs Churchill said: "Taking part in the competition is great experience for the bands - they get to play on a big stage and it gives them lots of publicity. There's nothing quite like playing live in front of an audience."

In last year's competition, the senior category was won by The Archetypes, a band representing JFS School, in Kenton, Middlesex. The public vote was won by Level:Headed, representing Hendon School, in Golders Rise, Hendon, who had come second in 2006. The junior category was won by Callacoma, of The Compton School, in Summers Lane, North Finchley.

This year the junior winners will receive musical equipment for their school worth £300, and senior winners will be given time at a music studio in Mill Hill to record a demo CD. The winners of the public vote will win £50 and the chance to open next year's event.

This year's carnival also includes the introduction of a new competition, Finchley's Got Talent, in which people of all ages can compete to win a cash prize. The finals of both competitions, on July 20, will be hosted by Capital Gold DJ Dean Martin.

To enter contact Mrs Churchill on 01923 289 890 or email vicky@vicky churchill.com