THERE are lots of budding DJs out there and the chances are only a handful will hit the big time.

But an event in Newcastle tonight offers a useful leg-up to one who can impress a panel of judges.

The ultimate prize in the 11th annual DJ contest run by Corona Extra beer is the title Movida Corona 2011 champion.

A grand final will take place in Madrid on November 12 with last year’s champion, Charles VBV, as one of the judges.

Tonight’s qualifier party takes place at the Empress Bar, Side, Newcastle.

It is one of 12 qualifier rounds taking place across the country in the search for fresh talent in dance music.

The organisers were expecting about 250 British DJs to enter the competition with contestants invited to take to the decks to show off their mixing skills. The qualifiers will be followed by five regional play-off finals and then a national final on October 18 at Ministry of Sound.

But that’s not the end of it. That Spanish grand final will feature the national winners from 20 countries including Germany, Turkey, Greece and Dubai.

The Movida Corona 2011 champion will get to perform a set at one of the world’s top residencies, Pacha, Madrid, headline a Movida Corona tour and record three mixes with Pacha Recordings.

There are prizes all along the way with the British winner receiving £1,000 cash, equipment, cases of Corona Extra and entry to the grand final.

To be in with a chance, DJs had to submit a 30-minute mix and be over 18. Details on www.movidacorona.com