Buskers keen to perform on the Underground will face a tough battle in new ‘X Factor’ style auditions.

Musicians will be judged on their originality, technique and performance as they face a panel of music industry experts in public locations around the capital for new X Factor-style auditions this summer.

The TfL Busk in London auditions are being held as part of the Busk in London programme, which was set up to make it easier for street musicians in London.

Since the London Underground Busking Scheme launched 13 years ago, there are now 35 official busking pitches across the Tube network with more than 1,800 bookable performance slots every week.

Winning buskers will be selected to showcase a wide range of music genres in Tube stations and follow in the footsteps of artists such as Ed Sheeran and Katherine Jenkins, who have tested material in front of commuters.

Applications close at midnight on Sunday, May 31 and auditions are scheduled to take place between July 18 and August 8.

For further information, visit www.buskinlondon.com