SCHOOLS and young people across Flintshire are being invited to take part in a ‘Battle of The Bands’ contest.

The event will take place ahead of this summer’s North Wales Blues and Soul Festival, which takes place at Theatr Clwyd in Mold over the weekend of August 2 to 4.

Festival organisers are currently contacting schools around the Flintshire area to encourage entries.

The competition was launched at the 2018 event in conjunction with the national charity Music for All to help inspire budding musicians in North Wales to get more involved in music. The prize includes the chance to perform alongside international artists.

Bluesface emerged as clear winners at the inaugural contest, with original songs impressing the team of judges.

The group also received an Orange branded bass guitar donated by Music for All and a £100 cash prize, the latter courtesy of Chester based company, Special Needs Care.

Geoff Collett, one of the festival organisers, said: “We had some fantastic entries in 2018 and hope for more of the same this year, Bluesface were the stand-out band in our inaugural competition, they really surprised us with their excellent, original material. "There is so much young musical talent in the area and we are determined to provide opportunities for them.”

Paul McManus, chief executive of Music for All, added: “We’re delighted to be working with the North Wales Blues and Soul Festival again.

"Making music really changes lives and it also has a huge range of benefits for younger people.

"Research shows that playing a musical instrument can help at school with better concentration, creativity and socialisation, leading to improved self-esteem and self-discipline.

"We want as many children as possible to enjoy these benefits and the support of events like the festival really help us to make this happen.”

Now in its sixth year, The North Wales Blues and Soul Festival is being held at Theatr Clwyd for the first time.

Artists will perform on an outside stage and within the theatre. The festival was previously held at Kendrick’s Field in Mold and has moved to allow it to expand and become weather-proofed.

For more information visit www.nwbluesandsoul.co.uk/

To find out more about Music for All visit: https://musicforall.org.uk/