YOUNG musicians will have the chance to perform in front of crowds in Malvern's Priory Park this summer, thanks to a town councillor.

Cllr Will Richards, a Link ward member of Malvern Town Council, says he is delighted that the council has endorsed his idea of creating a showcase for budding performers as part of the popular Bands in the Park concerts.

The concerts, which the town council has been holding for at least 15 years, are a popular feature of the town's summer season, with brass bands and, in more recent years, jazz bands, playing to crowds of picnickers in the park behind Malvern Theatres.

Cllr Richard said that said that he has already been contacted by artists who would be willing to appear in the park, performing on the Victorian bandstand.

They will be allotted a time slot between 12.30pm and 1.30pm, allowing them sufficient time to set up their equipment and break it down before the afternoon's brass band performance at 2.30pm.

He said: "All young people performing will be asked to ensure that at least one responsible adult accompanies them. Our town council operations staff will be present, ensuring technical support and first aid coverage."

He said that at least one councillor would be required to volunteer as a steward, and he would be willing to undertake the duty.

He said: "In this pilot year, it is anticipated that five or six acts will perform on the Sundays throughout June and the first half of July."

There will be no extra staffing costs, because council staff already work on Sundays during the series of concerts. The council will approach Malvern Theatres to see if they will be happy to sponsor minor expenses for the reporters such as fuel costs, as they do for the main performers.

"I've already been approached by a solo female singer, a jazz band and other performers," said Cllr Richards. "I'm really looking forward to the concerts and I hope people will support us."