THE next generation of songwriters in Warrington have been given a headstart thanks to a festival showcase.

After months of rehearsals, young people will be hosting music performances at Warrington Music Festival’s Youth Carnival on Sunday, July 20.

The event in the big top in Bank Park is part of the Plugged In Music Development project which has seen songwriting workshops held in Howley, Dallam, Orford, Warrington Youth Café and Longford.

Steve Oates, director of Score Creative Education and festival organiser, said: “Our ambition has been to build a project that takes children and young people on a journey from learning how to hold their first guitar or set of drum sticks in their own neighbourhood to performing on a festival stage.

“This partnership work with Warrington Youth Service and Accent Music Education Hub, with funding from the National Foundation for Youth Music, has made Warrington Music Festival more inclusive than ever before and is developing and supporting our next generation of performers and songwriters.”

Janice Pounds, strategic lead for Accent Music Education Hub, added: “I’ve really enjoyed watching the community music projects come together over the past six months and the Youth Carnival stage at Warrington Music Festival is a great way to get young people involved in the wider music community.

“Performing at a high profile event like this, in front of friends and family, is a fantastic opportunity and fitting reward for all their hard work."

Among the young people performing are members of the Wired Young Carers group who meet at Orford Youth Base.

The service, which was awarded a grant from the Youth Music charity, provides support to carers as young as six to help them cope with the strain of looking after a family member.

- The Youth Carnival will be held in Bank Park on Sunday, July 20, between noon and 7pm.

Along with the music performances there will also be family activities, a climbing wall and BMX half pipe.