Guinness, Hot Press and RTE 2fm Launch Search for Up and Coming Acts!

Irish bands who think they have what it takes to be the next big thing are being given their chance to prove it. Guinness, in association with Hot Press and RTÉ 2fm, are offering Irish bands and musicians the ultimate prize package in the Arthur's Day – Play On The Day competition 2012....

THE NATIONAL WINNER'S PRIZE PACKAGE will include:
• A special Flip Cover of Hot Press including a full professional photo session and interview
• A full three-day recording session with a senior Record Producer, in RTÉ studios
• An in-studio session for broadcast by RTÉ 2fm
• The release of a single, with no strings attached
• A place for a band member/manager on Hot Press' MIX course including consultation with industry experts
· Thousands of euro worth of top of the range musical instruments and equipment
• Multiple mentions across Guinness Ireland's Facebook and Twitter pages which collectively boast over 350,000 fans and followers.

The Play On The Day competition will form an integral part of this year's Guinness Arthur's Day celebrations. To enter, bands must submit a track on the Play On The Day website and then play a gig on Arthur's Day.

Once entries are submitted, the judges decide on a shortlist of entries for four regions. The public will then get the opportunity to vote on the shortlist, resulting in the top four in each region going forward to the Regional Finals in November. The Regional Winners will then go forward to the National Final also in November.

The nationwide search, which covers the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland, is open to all contenders performing in any musical style or genre. The judges are looking for an act that will bring something extra special to their live performances, and who will also benefit most from the brilliant platform offered by the competition.

GUINNESS has significantly expanded the Arthur’s Day celebrations since last year to include live music events in local pubs across Ireland so whether you’re from Dingle, Derry or Dublin, it’s never been easier to take part in what is set to be no ordinary Thursday night.

Renowned artists such as Example, Tinie Tempah, Ellie Goulding, Mika, prolific UK rapper Professor Green, Fatboy Slim, Texas and rising star Amy MacDonald are set to take to the stage in local pubs all across Ireland. This year there are no tickets on sale, just grab some mates and head to one of 500 free Arthur’s Day music events taking place in local pubs across all 32 counties.

To enter, go to playontheday.com where you'll be taken through the simple entry process!

For more on Arthur's Day 2012 go to [link]www.guinness.com[/link] or [link]www.facebook.com/guinnessireland[/link]

To enter Play On The Day, all participants must be over 18 years of age. Enjoy Guinness sensibly. Visit drinkaware.ie.