A SPECTACULAR talent contest will cast the spotlight on up-and-coming performers and champion all things feminine.

Amateur singers, dancers, musicians and other creative types are invited to showcase their talents at the Alternative Queen of Reading contest on Friday, March 8, at the Shehnai Banqueting Suite in London Street but they have just a couple of days to get their entries in.

The charity show, run in partnership with Zuloo Productions, marks International Womens' Day and will turn beauty on its head by highlighting both inner and outer radiance.

It is in aid of charity Berkshire Womens' Aid and organiser Steph Weller, who is a performer and producer, said: "It's providing a platform for people who don't always get the opportunity to showcase their talents on television or who aren't normally confident enough to do their thing in front of an audience.

"The sexes are more equal now but there are differences and this celebrates what it means to be a woman."

Male performers are welcome to the event, but the theme is Wild and Wonderful Women, with hopefuls urged to draw their information from female figures past and present such as Lady Gaga or Marilyn Monroe and a five minute slot to do anything from belly dancing to spoken word.

X-Factor 2009 finalist Danyl Johnson will head a panel of judges and members of the audience will have the chance to quiz competitors before the winner receives a crown made by artist Suzanne Stallard from art collective Jelly.

Applicants must be aged over 18 and should apply before the deadline on Sunday, February 3. They will also be required to attend a screening evening which organisers will announce shortly.

Tickets cost �8 and will be released shortly. See www.alternativequeen.com for details.