The 2014 edition of the GIT Award, the prize which seeks to reward the best new music coming out of Merseyside, has today officially launched.

Founded by Peter Guy, the editor of Liverpool's Getintothis blog, the award is now in its third year, and will culminate with the winner of a 12-strong shortlist being given a £1,000 cash prize at the awards ceremony at the city's Kazimier venue on April 11 2014.

While the award is open for entries from today - see the foot of the piece for details on how to enter - the event will mark the beginning of proceedings with a launch show at Leaf on Bold Street on November 16. It's free entry and has a number of upcoming bands on the bill, including VEYU, Kalax, Nights, a special collaboration between Bird and Natalie McCool and DJ sets from Club EVOL founder and GIT Award judge Steve ‘Revo’ Miller and Paul Hutchinson.

Talking about this year's awards, Guy says: "When the GIT Award was established two years ago we had no idea how it would snowball, placing new Liverpool music at the forefront of the national consciousness and have the impact it has had.

"From the first year when GIT Award nominee Esco Williams had a MOBO Award created in his honour, to coverage of all 12 nominees across the BBC, MTV and the national print press, to last year's blanket national radio and online coverage - the GIT Award has provided a multi-media platform for Merseyside music to thrive.

"Last year we were hugely honoured to have Yoko Ono personally invite the 2013 winners Baltic Fleet to support her at Meltdown Festival as part of the GIT Award prize - an event she curated as part of her 80th Birthday – we hope this year’s Award is equally as special and continues to place the focus on the incredible musicians working within our community.

"This year's launch at Leaf – a venue which has supported the GIT Award since the beginning - will be a fantastic night of new music, while the Award night itself next April in the Kazimier will be one not to miss."

To enter, artists and bands need to send four tracks to getintothis@gmail.com or alternatively post to Peter Guy, The GIT Award, Liverpool Daily Post & ECHO, PO Box 48, Old Hall Street, Liverpool, L69 3EB. Watch of a video of last year's ceremony below, featuring tQ editor and judging panel member John Doran, below: