Get your microphone ready because a new competition has launched in Slough to find budding talent in an initiative to spread awareness about knife crime.
The 'No Knives' anti-knife crime competition is asking young people aged 11 to 18 to rap, sing, write poems or compose music around the theme of anti-knives.
Hosted by Slough Music Centre and backed by Thames Valley Police and Slough Borough Council the only rules are 'no swearing' and songs can be about 'real life but with a positive outlook'.
Community project manager at Slough Music Centre and Love Music Hate Violence founder Stephen Ambrose, said: "We are encouraging our young people to think more about what is going on.
"The more young people that we can get to research and explore the subject of knife crime, the more they can realise that this is not the way.
"Sometimes people don't realise the extent of the problem we have on our hands."
The competition falls in line with the Knife Angel's arrival in Slough in January, when a month of action will take place to tackle violent crime in the town.
READ MORE: Knife Angel coming to Slough: Month of action to tackle violent crime
"We are not saying that the knife angel coming to Slough is going to solve the problem, but it is definitely a step toward trying to reduce crime, educate and provide young people and the community with the resources and information that they need to make Slough a knife-free place," Stephen added.
"At the moment it is really sad that we are seeing knives on the streets and people losing their lives. We can't have any more young people dying like this.
"Over the last year I have seen three or four fatalities, young people who have lost their lives through knife crime and we really want to save our young people. So anything we can do to make that a reality."
The competition, which will close on January 20, will be judged by a panel of three to four local musicians.
Winners will be announced on January 31, bringing the month of action to a close when the Knife Angel is set to depart Slough.
Three winners will be selected, with prizes ranging from studio time to the production of a music video.
Runners-up will also be awarded Love Music Hate Violence merchandise.
Head Of Slough Music Service, Rebecca Richardson said: "It is important to raise awareness of the subject - it is happening on their doorsteps in terms of violence in Slough.
"We want to activate youth voice and hear from young people."
A Slough Borough Council spokesperson said: "Slough Music Service, which is part of the council, has launched this anti-knife crime competition for budding musicians and poets.
"We hope the competition helps spread the important anti-violence message but also gets young people's creativity flowing and gives them a chance to show off their talents.
"We want residents to come along and see the Knife Angel in person, to learn about the impacts of violent crime and for children to be educated about the risks.”
To submit an entry, email music.service@slough.gov.uk
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