Can’t believe I missed the announcement, but the grandaddy of Guitar Competitions, Guitarist Of The Year, has returned!

I remember this competition way back when it first launched in Guitarist magazine, when Dave Kilminster became the first winner and also when the one and only Guthrie Govan triumphed in 1993.

It’s great to see it return and can’t wait to see what talent it uncovers.

Britain’s got guitar talent – and Guitarist is going to find it! The London Music Show 2010 will see the long-awaited return of the Guitarist Of The Year competition, so enter now for the chance to win fantastic prizes, and to battle it out at one of three live finals held at the London Music Show on 8, 9 and 10 October at the ExCel Centre.

THE COMPETITION
Guitarist Of The Year is actually three competitions in one…

Young Guitarist Of The Year (open to GB residents aged 16 or below on 8 October)
Guitarist Of The Year (open to GB residents aged 17 and over on 9 October)
Acoustic Guitarist Of The Year (open to all GB residents).

The final of each competition will take place on a separate day at the London Music Show.

HOW TO ENTER
All you have to do to enter is send an MP3 of an original composition, either with or without backing track, that’s no more than four minutes long. Our panel of independent judges will pick a shortlist of the best entries based on composition, technical ability, taste and feel, performance and delivery – and the finalists will face off in one of three finals before a panel of expert judges and industry figures.

The winner will win some amazing prizes – stay tuned for details – and will enjoy the prestige of being crowned Guitarist Of The Year. The winners will also be featured in Guitarist magazine and will have the chance to open Guitarist Of The Year 2011.

Before entering, be sure to read the Terms & Conditions very carefully by clicking here.

To enter, click here.

The closing date for entries to Young Guitarist Of The Year, Guitarist Of The Year and Acoustic Guitarist Of The Year is 5pm GMT Monday 16 August 2010.

The shortlist will be announced at www.guitarist.co.uk on 1 September.