Chance for budding musicians

Budding young musicians will be showcasing their talents on instruments made from recycled materials at a community festival this summer.

An outreach project for will once again form part of the free bash – initial details of which have just been released. Lichfield Arts will be staging Fuse - The Event in a Tent, at Beacon Park from July 13 to 15.

This is the sixth year the free festival has been staged and organisers are hoping to top the 4,000-plus attendance from last year.

This year's theme is Taking Care of Your Environment and the programme includes music from professional and local musicians, workshops, a human circus, catering, real ale bar and acoustic tent.

In the the build up to the three-day event, an outreach project aimed at young people will be staged in partnership with the North Lichfield Initiative and Staffordshire Youth Service.

This will target several areas across the district including Chadsmead, Stowe, Curborough, Armitage with Handsacre, Mile Oak and Fazeley.

The series of workshops will culminate in the youngsters performing at the festival using instruments made from recycled materials.

The Saturday programme also coincides with the Lichfield Festival Firework display, and so organisers are hopeful of a record attendance.

Stuart Davies, assistant director at Lichfield Arts, said the group was calling on local individuals and businesses to sponsor Fuse.

"We are very proud of this event and especially as this is totally free to all who attend," said Mr Davies. "To make this happen, however, we are dependant on as much sponsorship as we can get."

The programme so far features The Big Blues Tribe on July 13, TJ Johnson on July 14 and a Balliamo World Dance workshop and performance on July 15.

Call Lichfield Arts on 01543 262223.