Bands from across Kent are being given the chance to perform at a top music festival.

Zane Lowe, the BBC Radio 1 DJ, announced yesterday that a Fringe Festival showcasing the county’s music talent will form a part of Radio 1’s Big Weekend.

It will be held in Maidstone in the week leading up to the main event in Mote Park, on May 10 and 11.

Bands can apply by going to the BBC’s Big Weekend website.

A panel of judges will decide which bands get to play during the Fringe Festival, and the two top bands will also appear during the Big Weekend festival.

Neil Wyatt, executive producer of Radio 1 live events, said: “Radio 1's Big Weekend is the UK's biggest free ticketed music festival and is going to be a massive event for the people of Maidstone and Kent, but it is not just about the huge artists that perform on the main stage to thousands of people.

“The Fringe Festival is our chance for Radio 1 and BBC Introducing to highlight the best of Kent's local music scene, with a week of live music showcasing the best that Kent can offer. And for two of Kent's most talented acts there will be the chance of a lifetime - to perform at the main event on the BBC Introducing stage."

James Bursey, BBC Introducing Kent said “For most Kent bands sending in your demo to BBC Kent Introducing and walking out on a stage in front of thousands of people are miles apart.

“But with the Radio 1's Big Weekend Fringe Festival some of the incredible talent we've got in the county will be making that very jump in just weeks. That's why it's incredible to be involved in this, a real opportunity to help kick start a Kent musicians' career and put the Kent music scene on the map."