Think you've got what it takes to head straight to the top of the charts?

If you see yourself as the next big name in UK music, then forget the manufactured contests like X Factor - Testing 1,2,3 is the competition for you.

Croydon's search for the hottest unsigned music acts is back, and it promises to be bigger and better than ever before.

Testing 1,2,3 runs over four nights in February, with acts invited to enter as singer/songwriters, hip hop and R 'n' B, or bands.

There'll be 18 spaces open for contestants across the three categories, and they'll be judged by a panel of respected experts from the music industry.

Finals judge and Head of Events at Xfm Jim Benner said: "I'm astounded by the emerging music talent coming out of Croydon."

And this year the competition is open to younger musicians - organisers Croydon Council say that due to the quality of younger artists making their mark on the music scene, Testing 1,2,3 will be open to anyone who is 14 or over on February, 1 2010.

Fantastic prizes up for grabs by the lucky winning act include recording time, a photo shoot, vouchers, and the opportunity to play at Croydon Summer Festival 2010 alongside some big name acts.

This February's winner was singer/songwriter De'Borah, who wowed the judges with her acoustic music and soulful voice.

She also shared a stage with The Proclaimers and Candi Staton when she performed at this year's Croydon Summer Festival.

De'Borah said: "It means so much to have won. Things like recording time and photo shoots would have been so hard to organise by myself."

Placebo's Bill Lloyd was full of praise for last year's event at the Clocktower.

He said: "It's great to see a local venue championing Croydon talent in such an exciting way. It was a great gig and let's not forget, Joy Division were discovered at a battle of the bands."

The Arts, Museums and Community Development Division of Croydon Council are sponsored in the competition by us here at the Croydon Advertiser.

Other sponsors include Timebomb, Croydon Clocktower, Online Studios, Antenna Studios, The Green Dragon, Bowdown and Market Place.

Testing 1,2,3 takes place from the February 16 - 19, 2010.

Get your entries in now - the closing date is November 27. For an entry form email testing123@croydon.gov.uk or go to the ticket office at Croydon Clocktower, Katharine Street, CR9 1ET.