Coldplay aren't the only new characters that will be featured in an episode of 'The Simpsons' next year. Chris Martin and company are booked to appear in an episode as themselves, and since the graphic artists and writers for the show are, according to the official website, "tired and, frankly, too rich to care anymore" about creating new characters, they want fans to do it for them. Therefore, they're holding a contests where people can design a new character, complete with a catchphrase, to debut in the episode with Martin.

'The Simpsons' designers are, of course, not really tired of working on the iconic cartoon. The competition is part of the show's 20-year anniversary celebrations, and the winning character will appear in an episode set to debut at the end of January 2010. Another highlight of the 20th birthday promotion is Marge Simpson's appearance on the cover of November's Playboy magazine.

Entries to the character competition can be submitted online at the show's official site until Oct. 24. The submitted character must be a human being and those entering the competition should describe their character's traits as well as providing a name, nickname, occupation, age, appearance and catchphrases.

The winner will be flown to Los Angeles to work with the show's animation director and producers. The character's spot in the Martin episode has already been reserved in the plotline and will appear in a scene as Homer rushes to a wedding ceremony after buying a lottery ticket, according to reports by Associated Press.

The competition will be judged by the show's executive producer Al Jean and 'Simpsons' creator, Matt Groening. Groening has written in parts for various stars over 'The Simpsons'' two-decade run. Pop megastars from Paul McCartney to Michael Jackson and rock bands like the Red Hot Chili Peppers and the Smashing Pumpkins have appeared, often performing too. Even 'Simpsons' voice Harry Shearer's band Spinal Tap showed up for an episode.

Clearly a music fan, Groening will curate indie rock festival All Tomorrow's Parties next year. He will choose artists to play the first of the two-weekend long festival, which will take place at Butlins Holiday Camp in Minehead, England, May 7-9. Groening curated a prototype American ATP held in Long Beach, Calif. in 2003, that featured the likes of Cat Power, the Shins and Sonic Youth. Reformed indie rock legends Pavement are already confirmed to curate the second weekend of ATP, which takes place May 14-16. Tickets are on sale now.