Budding young singers and musicians will have their talents showcased at this year’s Saxmundham music festival – with a series of special performances on the big stage.

Youngsters from the town and surrounding area are currently taking part in 10 weeks of workshops in the run up the 13-hour festival, which takes place on Saturday, July 25.

Organisers are hoping this year’s second Sax Music Fest will be so successful that it can financially stand on its own two feet in the years ahead after excellent local suport to get it off the ground.

Around 800 people enjoyed last year’s event with 14 bands taking to the stage on the Memorial Field, crowds lapping up the music and enjoying warm summer sunshine.

Brook Farm Residents’ Association organised the free day, which was aimed at families and especially young people.

Event organiser Terry Barrow said the financial support from Saxmundham Town Council – which is underwriting this year’s event to the tune of £10,000, though only a portion of the money will be needed – along with local councillors and other funders had been greatly appreciated.

He said: “Next year, we are looking at sustaining this without the funding from outside agencies.”

Top of the bill this year is energetic tribute act Abba Chique, who will go onstage at 9pm.

Other acts performing during the day include four-piece Ipswich group Bandicoot, Saxmundham punk-inpsired acoustic singer-songwriter Alice Orr, Abbigail Harrison from Aldeburgh, indie rock band Scarlett, contemporary blues and rock ‘n’ rollers Hot Tramp, Jade, and rock covers band Shattered.

Also on the day there will be a children’s fun area, fairground rides, face painting, pottery painting, and hair braiding, and a range of refreshments stands.

Music tutor and stage management expert Richard Deyn has been running the music workshops for the young people with rooms at the Fromus Centre hired at a preferential rate from SADCIC for guitar, drum and vocal lessons, all for free.

The final sessions are tomorrow and Friday, July 24, from 4.30pm to 7pm.