Eight musicians were selected from the original entries to play in a non-competitive opening concert. They were – Jack Bowtell (voice), Magda Cassidy (voice), Adam Gilbert (Piano), Ruth Hallows (Cello), Jack Herbert (Voice), Sarah Hoyle (Bassoon), Georgina-Anne Parker (Voice) and Thomas Shaw (Voice).
 

Following this, four finalists were selected. They were singer Georgina Parker (17), a member of Pendle Youth Choir, singing four songs ranging from opera to jazz; bassoonist Sarah Hoyle (18), currently studying at the Royal Academy of Music in London, playing a sonata by Saint-Saens; and singer Jack Herbert (19), with a selection of five show songs. Cellist Ruth Hallows (21), from Barrowford, was given the sought-after title at the final of the Pendle Young Musicians’ Bursary after playing pieces by Mendelssohn and Bruch.

The judges were professional musicians Peter Young and Marilynne Davies, who advised each finalist how to take the next step in their musical development.