The national final of the BBC Radio 2 New Comedy Awards will be held at Blackpool’s very own Grand Theatre in November! Why not enter and take part yourself?!

On Friday 25 May BBC Radio 2 presenter Steve Wright launched the BBC Radio 2 New Comedy Award 2012. The competition will search for the best stand-up talent in the UK – previous finalists include household names such as Alan Carr, Sarah Millican and Marcus Brigstocke!

The UK wide search will culminate in a live, hour-long final at our very own Grand Theatre, hosted by Patrick Kielty. With performances from the six regional finalists the night will also include live music and stand-up from one of the esteemed previous winners of the award – who include Rhod Gilbert, Alan Carr, Josie Long and many other fantastic stand-up comedians!

The BBC New Comedy Award initially ran from 1995 to 2005. In 2011 Radio 2 and BBC Radio Comedy revived the award and put the spotlight back on seeking out the best new talent in the UK. The competition will focus on finding the freshest talent as well as helping aspiring comics launch their careers.

As part of this year’s awards the BBC will be facilitating Learning Workshops in each of the eight cities hosting the regional heats (Edinburgh, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham, Cardiff, Brighton and London). They will be working closely with local communities to engage them in comedy and performance. So do you have what it takes to get the nation laughing? Why not enter and give yourself a chance to perform on the Grand Theatre’s beautiful stage, treading the same boards as the likes of Russell Kane, Ed Byrne and Michael McIntyre?

Entrants can apply through the Radio 2 website, fill out the web form and upload an mp3 of their work.

The closing date for entries is Saturday 30 June. More information and application forms are available from bbc.co.uk/radio2/comedy.