Calling all schools – young singers, dancers and performers are invited to take to the stage and give it their best shot as part of a huge arts event.

Registration is due to open for this year’s Rock Challenge and J Rock competitions.

Rock Challenge events, organised by registered charity The Be Your Best Foundation, aim to inspire, engage and motivate young people to make healthy and positive lifestyle choices.

Each show provides the opportunity for young people to experience an adrenalin-based high through performing live on a professional stage - rather than using tobacco, alcohol or other drugs.

Schools rehearse and support one another during the day, before performing in in a spectacular evening show.

Registration opens on Tuesday, September 18, and senior schools, academies and sixth form colleges can enter from 6am while junior and primary schools and academies can register from 6.30am. An event for local senior teams will then take place in February at The Pavilion Theatre, Bournemouth.

Last year, students from across the county took part including The Thomas Hardye School in Dorchester, The Gryphon School in Sherborne and Sir John Colfox Academy in Bridport.

the Sir John Colfox Academy performed ‘The Roll of the Dice’ to an audience of more than 100 people at the venue following months of rehearsals after school.

The piece was based on the theme of gambling addiction and intended to underline the glitz and glam of Las Vegas casinos.

This year’s event is no different, and teams of students will perform a five to eight-minute dance, drama and design piece they have prepared over the course of months with teachers, parents and members of their wider community.

Each school’s performance can tackle a political or social message, retelling a true event, or can be based on an entirely imaginative concept.

A spokesman for the Rock Challenge said: “Last year eight local schools were involved in the Dorset event and in 2019 we look set to attract even more schools.”

If you are a student, parent or teacher and would like more information about how your school can enter the competition, contact events@rockchallenge.co.uk to be added to the mailing list.

Entries are on a first come first served basis and entry forms will be available on September 18 from 6am/6.30am.