Ant and Dec took to the streets of Blackpool yesterday, to launch the new 2012 series of Britain’s Got Talent.

The telly duo led a parade through the seaside town, riding in a convertible classic car and followed by a crowd in fancy dress, along with huge inflatables figures of the Prince William and the Queen.

However auditions for the new show don’t begin until today and for the first time the new panel – Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, David Walliams and Alesha Dixon – will step out in Manchester, where they will hold tryouts for their first group of hopefuls.

Auditions will return to Blackpool later this month and visit various UK cities before later stages take place in London in March/April.

Ant and Dec tweeted yesterday:

Thanx all who came down to Central Pier and being part of filming for #BGT Dahlings you were wonderful! D x

They also posted the picture below.

If you have tried out for Britain’s Got Talent and want to chat with other hopefuls, check out our busy auditionees forum, where singers, dancers and performers from all over the UK are chatting about their experiences.