YORK’S young musicians will be taking over the city for a whole weekend in June for a festival of youth music.

The festival will provide an opportunity to hear the YMF York Jazz Orchestra that headlined the Youth Proms last year at the Albert Hall, and the award winning Shepherd Group youth brass band as well as youth choirs, and ensembles from the city’s schools and colleges.

It’s all happening on the weekend of June 22 and 23. City Sounds, on Saturday during the day, will see live music at stages and spaces all across the city from Parliament Street and St Sampson’s Square to the Spurriergate Centre and St Helen’s Square. In the evening, there will be a gala concert at the National Railway Museum which will feature performances from the city’s top young musicians including violinist Will Clarke from Huntington School who was a national finalist in the Rotary Club Young Musician of the Year Competition.

The Sunday Showcase sees four city secondary schools performing at the University of York. The programme includes a variety of ensembles from choirs and big bands to chamber groups and orchestras.

Patrick Scott, chairman of York Music Hub, said: “There always been a summer festival for young musicians but, in the past, it’s not had a very high profile. This year we are doing something different. If you are in the centre of town on June 22, you won’t be able to ignore it. It could be life changing if it inspires children and young people in the city to pick up an instrument or join a choir.”

Molly Newton, hub manager, said: “This festival weekend will be a fantastic showcase for the local talent we have in York and a huge opportunity for members of the public to enjoy an incredibly varied and exciting programme of music.

“No tickets are needed for City Sounds, but don’t leave it too late to buy your tickets for the Gala Concert or the Sunday Showcase.”

Tickets are available through our website www.yorkmusichub.org.uk and we look forward to seeing you in June.

Colin Jackson, event manager, said: “We are looking to recruit an army of volunteers to make sure that the who event runs smoothly. If you want to be part of this very special occasion, let us know by contacting info@yorkmusichub.org.uk or sign up via our online link: https://bit.ly/2VodBSF.”

Find out more at http://www.yorkmusichub.org.uk.

The York Music Hub is a small independent charity that works with schools and other providers to create opportunities for young people to make and enjoy music. It showcases the best bands and orchestras in the city at public events, and provides grants and bursaries for individuals who need financial support.