Entrepreneurs are being offered the chance to produce an international music festival.

The Bermuda Department of Tourism is now inviting applications to run the 2008 Bermuda Music Festival.

The event will be held from October 1-4 at the National Sports Centre, and feature a stellar line-up.

Last year's festival was the most successful to date, with sell-out shows by Lionel Richie, Smokey Robinson and Earth Wind and Fire.

For the past 12 years, the Department of Tourism has hosted the show but it is now passing the mantle on to fledgeling and experienced promoters and producers, inviting all to submit a Request for Proposal (RFP).

Premier Dr. Ewart Brown, Minister of Tourism and Transport, said: "The Bermuda Music Festival, now in its 13th year, has become the Island's signature entertainment event, designed not only to drive a specific target segment of visitors to our shores, but also to bring them together with our residents to experience first-class performances from world-renowned artists.

"Last year's event was an extraordinary success and we want to build on that momentum. This is a prime opportunity to get local entrepreneurs involved in being a part of a thriving and internationally respected music festival."

The terms of the RFP state that production of the event will encompass a local and international partnership.

Promoters will work on behalf of the Department in planning and implementing the festival, as well as fiscal management and administration.

Anyone interested should collect an RFP package from the Department of Tourism reception desk at Global House, 43 Church Street. The deadline for applications is January 25.