YOUNG music lovers in the area are in for a treat this summer as folk and community arts development charity Wren Music presents a Summer Music Club in Okehampton from Monday August 15 to Friday August 19.

The five days of music and song have been specially designed to appeal to young people from 8 to 18 years old. Morning and afternoon sessions will cater for all levels of ability including those with no previous experience of singing or playing, and all instruments are welcome. As a result there will be no auditions or sight-reading of music.

Wren Music have an extensive stock of instruments on hand for those who do not have their own, or for those looking to try out a new discipline. The range includes guitars and electric basses, traditional instruments like fiddles, accordians and mandolins, and lesser-known instruments such as the dulcimer, autoharp and bodhran.

The sessions will provide an opportunity to explore working creatively with others, and offer chances to make new friends.

The Summer Music Club will be rounded off with a 'Showing Sharing Show' — an informal performance for parents and friends on the afternoon of August 19. All participants will be encouraged to join in and take their first steps towards playing in public.

The club will be led by Wren Music's director Paul Wilson, along with Wren's team of award-winning professional musicians, singers, songwriters and musical educators.

The sessions will be held in Fairplace Church Hall from 10am to 3.30pm each day. Packed lunches should be brought along, but soft drinks will be provided.

Thanks to support from Devon County Council and Arts Council England South West, the fee for the whole week is £100, with a concessionary rate of £30 for children whose parents are full time students or in receipt of income-related benefits.

All-week fees for further children from the same family are only £75 full, or £15 for concessions.

Attendance all week is preferred but daily attendance from Monday to Thursday is also possible. Friday must be booked with at least one other day. Daily fees are £25, with a concessionary rate of £10.

Young people who are part of the Don't Stop Me Now scheme will be able to attend the club free of charge.

Places are limited, so booking is strongly recommended. Contact Wren Music on 01837 53754, e-mail [email protected]">[email protected] or drop into their office at 1 St James Street.