PLYMOUTH'S ultimate competition guaranteed to get its finalists noticed promises to deafen and dazzle you this year.

The Herald's Face of Plymouth 2009 will take place on Friday, July 17, at Plymouth Pavilions.

The show's choreographer, Andrew Facy, says it will be bigger and better than ever.

The show features 20 finalists competing to become the Face of Plymouth, an opportunity that could open gateways into modelling and the media.

"This is nothing like a normal catwalk show, said Andrew. "It's a spectacular party atmosphere competition based around having fun.

"We're going to deafen and dazzle everyone; you can already sense the buzz around the city."

He says the audience of up to 1,500 people will be in for a few surprises.

"We've pulled out all the stops; the lighting displays and special effects are going to be fantastic. There's going to be explosions and at one point there'll be a 30ft flame which will shoot up from the stage," he added.

And this year there will be audience participation, as supporters will be able to vote for their favourites by text message to influence the five judges' final decision.

"We're expecting fans of the finalists to make a stronger impact than ever, as their votes will count," said Andrew. "As with other years, we're expecting T-shirts, banners and whistles!"

He says the biggest buzz he gets is from seeing the Face finalists developing in the final two weeks before the show. "It can be nerve-wracking for some but you need that to get the adrenalin going. It's fantastic to see people come out of their shells."

This year's show, sponsored by Drake Circus Shopping Centre, City College Plymouth, Specsavers and Drakes Fine Jewellers, will feature top local act Big Beat, who have just returned from playing Glastonbury and have gigs lined up at the Eden Project supporting Paul Weller and Razorlight.

Phil Spurr, who manages the band, said: "It's going to be the culmination of a brilliant phase of shows for us. It's great to play at the highest-profile show of the year in Plymouth.

"All our band members are from the city and it'll be the biggest hometown gig they've ever done."

Also featuring will be 40 youngsters from the Italia Conti stage school who will be dancing and singing.

Zoe-Marie Vigus, a drama teacher at the school, said: "The children are really excited and looking forward to it. It's such a big deal here in Plymouth; they can't wait."

Tickets are on sale now from the Plymouth Pavilions priced at £10 each or 10 for the price of eight.

For more information drop in or call the box office on 0845 146 1460.

The details of this year's final are a closely guarded secret but keep checking The Herald and visit www.thisisplymouth.co.uk/fp09 for all the latest news and gossip.

2009 Face of Plymouth semi-final.

See who has made it through to the this year's Face of Plymouth final.