Backing needed for young musicians

It's the opportunity of a lifetime - but young musicians from Bexhill and Hastings need help to realise their dream of national competition.

Three youth bands from our area have been chosen to take part in a Festival of Music for Youth in Birmingham.

They are the Hastings Area Youth Wind Band, the Hastings Area Youth Jazz and Blues Band - which recently blew them away at the Mayoral Leroc Ball at the De La Warr Pavilion - and a flute choir called Flute Fusion.

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The competition will be held over three days - July 9, 11 and 12 - and the teenagers need financial support if they are to be there. This is considered to be the world's largest youth music festival and winners will go on to perform at the Royal Albert Hall.

Emily Ball, 16, from Popps Lane in Little Common, said: "There are eight bands selected from all over Britain to be in this competition - and we have two of them. "We have got to go up to Birmingham and stay in a hotel and because there is up to 25 players in each band, it is going to be very expensive. We have got to raise 4,000 - that is how much it is costing.

"Some of us are planning to go busking to raise money, and we have got a raffle going, things like that. But we are looking for donations and any sponsors out there who might help us.

"We really want to do this."

Bexhill College student Emily has been playing flute and saxophone with the bands for four year- they are run by East Sussex County Council music service. Members get together to rehearse at Filsham Valley and are aged between 12-18.

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"Some of us are busy taking A-levels, A S levels, and GCSE's. There are lots of exams going on, so it would be great if we could get some help in some way. We will have to stay overnight and that is what is costing so much, with the hotel and coach journeys and everything. But it is going to be great fun. It is one of those things you only do once in your life. We will probably never get to do it again."

Anyone wanting to know how to find out more information about the bands or local concerts can contact teacher Catrin Roberts on 07981 154809.

Donations can be sent with cheques made payable to East Sussex County Council on East Sussex Music Service, Performing Arts Centre, Sussex Downs College, Mountfield Road, Lewes BN7 ZXH - or phone ESMS on 01273 402555.