PLANS have been mooted for an ambitious new music festival in Carmarthen next year which would see music acts as diverse as choirs and rock bands go head-to-head for prizes.

The proposed festival, spearheaded by town councillor Marc Scaife, is hoped to be part Eisteddfod and part Britain's Got Talent.

It is proposed to hold the festival over four weeks next August or September in several venues throughout the town, with Guildhall Square, Merlin's Walk and the Maes y Ffair area in front of the town's Debenhams store, St Catherine's Walk pencilled in.

All of the venues, if agreement is reached, will feature bands on the days agreed, with any rock music acts will be held in the town's Dr Mz.

It is hoped that the open-air events — featuring all musical genres — will add colour to the town and bring in visitors, echoing similar events held in London parks during the summer. Councillor Marc Scaife said: "The idea is to have a street competition held over a four-week period.

"Because it's in its infancy it's going to be open to all genres, such as dance groups, orchestras, rock and choirs.

"Each genre will be judged against each other. The winners of each category will go head-to-head in St Peter's Hall for the big prize; you could have monastic chanting up against rock bands.

"We've decided to keep it open, we haven't got any rules as yet.

"The idea is to bring life in to the streets of Carmarthen. The idea is to put Carmarthen on the map.

"It's at a very, very early stage but we've already had promises of funding.

"What we're trying to do is do it on a shoestring, with a lot of goodwill.

"In five years' time if we are successful, there could be a dozen things going on a day. that's what I'm aiming for."