One of the major competitions of its kind in the UK returns this Saturday (November 16) to a treasured historic house near Newtown.

Gregynog Competition for Young Musicians is open to musicians aged 18 and under, who are selected from an initial listening round to compete in a semi-final competition and evening final at Gregynog Hall, after which an overall winner for the day is chosen by the panel of judges and receives the £3,000 prize.

The list of past winners and finalists reads like a Who’s Who of present-day stars including cellist Sheku Kanneh-Mason, who played at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding.

Organisers said: “It is a truly national competition but intensely proud of the Welsh roots from which it has sprung, and it is also supported so well by local businesses and people on whom it really does rely.”

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The semi-final stage on Saturday runs from 10am to 5pm in the Music Room at Gregynog. Entrance for the daytime sessions is only £10, and you can choose to come and go as you please during the day.

The Grand Final to choose the outright winner takes place at 7pm, also in the Music Room. Tickets for this cost £18 and people can reserve these beforehand by emailing sec@gregynogymc.co.uk.

The overall winner is also invited to return to perform in the annual Gregynog Competition Summer Concert, which has also given a platform to young local performers such as Ysgol Pontrobert, Llanidloes Primary School and Hafren Youth Strings.

“At a time when there is such a need to support young musicians in their studies, and to encourage young musicians of the future, the Gregynog Young Musician Competition has a vital role to play,” organisers added.

“The competition itself is a day of high emotion, musical thrills and spills, and just so well worth coming too, whether for part of the day, the evening final, or indeed both. This year’s competition looks set to be as exciting as ever, and we look forward to welcoming you. You won’t be disappointed!”