A MALTON bar is launching an acoustic music festival this weekend, which will continue through the month.

More than 10 local bands and singers will be appearing at the event at The Yard in Market Place, which, if successful, could become an annual event.

The music gets underway on Good Friday and will include folk-style musician Rachel Croft, York singer and songwriter Terri-Ann, who has featured on BBC Introducing, and Alex Anthony, an acoustic singer also from the city.

Liv Smales, The Yard’s general manager, said: “We really love to support local talent wherever we can. We have had a lot of interest after advertising for acts and it has been amazing to see how much diversity is out there.

“After spending a lot of time listening to demos, we came up with what we feel is an exciting schedule of entertainment. We are sure it will be an entertaining month and will hopefully pave the way for more of the same, in the future.” Five of the acts featured come from Malton, including The Yard’s barman Will Best, who will be kicking off the festival on Good Friday.

Will said he had been performing for 10 years, ever since he taught himself to play the guitar and wanted to show off his skills. “I’m looking forward to once again coming out from behind the bar and playing with other acts as part of the event,” he said.

“I love writing my own songs, as well as covering other peoples and I will also be performing as part of Back of the Line later in the month.

“We would love to start playing a bit more and I think Acoustic April will help show everyone what great talent there is in and around Malton and North Yorkshire.”

For more information, go to theyardmalton.co.uk or phone 01653 696999.