Twickenham’s Ailsa Tavern will be hosting a song-writing competition this Christmas.

The pub in St Margarets Road, is challenging budding musicians and bands to create their own “Christmas number one”, themed around winter or the festive season, and perform it in front of guests at an open mic night. Entrants will put £5 in a pot, which the winner will take home at the end of the night.

The event is being run by local musician Elaine Samuels, guitarist for folk band Kindred Spirit, who has performed at events including Glastonbury, Weyfest and the Richmond May Fair. She has also appeared on television on many occasions.

Ms Samuels has been running a monthly open mic night at the pub since July that has so far attracted singers, bands, a mandolin player and even a “stickist” – a musician who plays a variation of the guitar known as the Chapman Stick.

Individual singers without musicians are welcome to enter the event, and Ms Samuels is even offering to accompany them on her guitar.

The contest will take place on December 18 at 7:30pm. For more information, visit elainesamuels.co.uk/openmicnight.