THE organisers of a tribute concert to TJ’s legend John Sicolo are giving budding Newport rock stars the chance to appear in front of more than 2,000 people, alongside some of the city's established pop acts.

Goldie Lookin’ Chain, The Darling Buds, Flyscreen, Novocaine and Doctor Bison are just a handful of the acts pencilled in for the concert ‘TJ’s in the square’, in John Frost Square on July 10.

Yet one coveted 20-minute slot remains, with Newport-based solo artists and bands invited to put their credentials on the line in the ‘Square Factor’, a competition sponsored by Newport City Homes.

Ten selected finalists will be invited to a two day ‘rock school,’ performing in front of a panel of judges, before attending workshops in musicianship, interview technique and sound to polish their technique.

The winning young artists will then go on to perform at the concert, which is expected to draw large crowds from the local community and further afield.

More than 1,200 people lined the streets for Mr Sicolo’s funeral, who died in March, shortly after being admitted for a knee replacement operation at the Royal Gwent Hospital.

He owned TJ’s for almost 40 years, and had a staggering influence on the 1990 Newport music scene.

Before his death, the venue suffered financial difficulties, partly due to the recession and Mr Sicolo’s relatives were left with no alternative but to close the popular club.

“John Sicolo always supported new bands coming through, so this competition really is in the spirit of things, giving a new band the chance to play to such a wide audience and giving them a leg up,” Emma Corten, editor of Voice magazine said.

His daughter Leanne is also expected to address the crowd, with the show being presented by Newport music fanzine Frug! and Voice.

Wristbands for the concert are quickly being snapped up, with a dedicated Facebook page saying there were only 100 left at Kriminal Records in Newport market on Tuesday, after Diverse Music, in Charles Street sold out.

For details on how to enter the competition visit www.wearevoice.co.uk and click ‘events’.