B SHARP had an overwhelming response from young musicians in the first round of auditions for an open-air summer festival in Lyme Regis.

Young music acts will perform in Theatre Square in the Big Mix festival on Saturday, July 6.

B Sharp held the first auditions at The Hub when youngsters performed for a panel of judges, including B Sharp director Fran Williams, music leaders and musicians Pete Wild and Jacques Verhaeren, and youth club member Sam Quick.

Fran said: “There is such a high level of interest from so many different young musicians that unfortunately we are not able to give everybody a performance opportunity for the 6th.

“We are selecting those who will stand out, who are exceptional musicians as well as looking for diversity.

“The panel were really impressed by the sheer quality and variety of singing and playing and knocked out by the impressive stage confidence that people had.

“We are very excited by the fact that so many young people came from far and wide and wanted to perform their own material not just covers.”

The auditions are now set to be opened up to primary age children after a high level of interest from under 11s.

B Sharp will hold another round of auditions for all ages in June, on a date to be confirmed.

Fran said: “B Sharp are pleased that the younger age group are passionate about wanting to be involved and as a result of the enthusiasm, we have decided to include some performance opportunities for under 11s at the festival.”

One youngster who did slip through the net was six-year-old Darci Street from Uplyme.

Without organisers realising her age, Darci was the first to audition and impressed judges with her singing, earning her a spot at the festival.

At the other end of the music spectrum was a hip hop/rap band from Weymouth called Grime District, who also won a place.

Band member Aidan Starck said: “Getting a chance to audition for the festival has been great, because it's given us a chance to show what we can really do, without being overlooked due to the genre of music that we make.”

Students Beth and Jess Webber from Uplyme volunteered for front of house duties at the auditions as part of their arts management studies in Exeter.

B Sharp is urging the town to get behind the July festival.

Fran said: “We have proved our worth in developing meaningful opportunities for young people that have the power to change lives.

“We are working closely with schools and partner organisations in the area to celebrate and showcase these achievements and we want everybody to join us.”

Headline bands will include Papa Le Gal, who will be regrouping especially for the occasion.

Young musicians are invited to join B Sharp at the regular Tuesday evening sessions at The Hub from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.

For more information about the project and auditions contact Fran on franwilliams@bshjarp.uk.com or 07968 177663 or visit bsharp.uk.com