Sharon is supporting musicians and film-makers from her constituency by calling for local artists to enter Parliament’s two largest creative competitions, Rock the House and Film the House.

The competition, now in its fifth year, was set up by former Member of Parliament, Mike Weatherley during the last Parliament and offers the opportunity to put local musicians and film-makers in direct contact with the movers and shakers of the two industries and to have the best of Washington and Sunderland West’s talent take front and centre stage.

The competition is judged by the leading lights of industry, with prizes ranging from festival slots, studio time and top-notch equipment, the Rock the House and Film the House competitions are a pioneering opportunity to showcase what Washington and Sunderland has to offer, raising awareness about the importance of Intellectual property (IP) to our creative industries and country.

In the lead up to the competition, Sharon said:

“It is wonderful to see two of Parliament’s most-hotly contested competitions grow from strength to strength and now entering their fifth year.

“It can be hard to break into the music and film scene and that is why I welcome both Rock the House and Film the House in helping raise the profile of budding talent right across the country.

“There is plenty of local talent across the constituency and it is only right that often unrecognised talent receives some recognition and is celebrated at the heart of British democracy. I hope as many artists, bands and film-makers from our area pick up their guitars or cameras and enter this fantastic competition to gain the important exposure which could transform their lives.”

Important dates for the 2016 competitions are:

• 1^st May, closing date for entries to MPs
• 31^st May, closing date for MPs to announce their constituency nominations
• 20^th June, final battle of the bands
• 4^th July, awards ceremony

Further information on how to apply for each competition can be found at:

• Rock the House – Removed
• Film the House – www.filmthehouse.com