Local music lovers have come out of the woodwork to compete for the chance to have their song played throughout the country and take home a $10,000 prize package.

The first ever ‘Beachfest Crown Song Competition’ has had an incredible start with more than 40 artists submitting upwards of 70 songs in a multitude of genres.

The competition is being hosted by music rights management organisation, PRS for Music, along with The Chewstick Foundation.

Since the June 27 deadline date for song submissions, the Chewstick Foundation listening committee has been screening entries to ensure they meet the competition criteria.

Now that’s done, the community in being invited to listen and vote for their favourite artists’ songs on YouTube from now until Friday.

“The top ten most viewed YouTube videos will move on to the next stage,” said competition spokeswoman Deidra Lee Bean.

“Each entrant and supporter is encouraged to share the video link to their favourite song to get the views up and promote their hit song.

“All links are available on the newly overhauled www.beachfestbermuda.com, and the Beachfest Bermuda YouTube Channel as well as via the artists’ social media pages.”

She said only the videos with the top ten highest view counts would make it on to the semi-finals and be played on local radio station Vibe 103FM.

You can support local artists by listening to the songs, voting and getting involved, Ms Bean said.

For more information you can also e-mail info@chewstick.org, phone 292 2439 or visit the organisation’s website: www.chewstick.org or www.beachfestbermuda.com.