YOUTH music charity B Sharp is urging local budding musicians to take part in their auditions for this year’s Big Mix event.

The Big Mix Festival, which is held in the theatre square, will return to the town on July 5 and will offer the chance for local and regional musicians to showcase their talents.

The music festival brings to an end the year-long project at the charity’s base The Hub youth club, which has seen groups of young musicians gather on Tuesdays to work with the charity’s music leaders to write and rehearse songs and shows.

Now the charity is hosting two audition sessions to attract musicians from surrounding areas in West Dorset and East Devon to perform at the summer event.

Fran Williams, B Sharp director, said: “The entire Big Mix event was incredible last year, a sheer feast of excellence and diversity. We had a very full house from beginning to end and we know we have a loyal following who can’t wait for it to happen again.

“The July festival will showcase some of the best young acts around in front of mixed audiences which will include representatives from the arts, music and entertainments industries, generating valuable media attention and exposure and providing the public with some great entertainment.

“The Big Mix is a uniquely upbeat music festival showcasing young acts from the South West. Last year audiences reached 2,000 with young people and families soaking up the brilliant sunshine, good music, festival food and dancing.”

Both auditions will take place at The Hub in Church Street, with the first on April 25 and the second on May 9. They will both be held between 6pm and 8pm.

Pete Wild, the charity’s music leader, said he was looking forward to the festival later this year. Mr Wild said: “There is lots of exceptional talent around. At the moment there is a culture of young people writing and performing original material and we are looking forward to bringing everyone together to share music.”

Any musical act who wants to be considered for the auditions and for the festival should send a demo tape of their original material or an enquiry form to Fran Williams at franwilliams@bsharp.uk.com.

For more information on the charity and the work it does visit bsharp.uk.com.