YOUNG guitarists of all abilities are being invited to hone their playing skills at the Hampshire Acoustic Guitar Festival next month, hosted by the county council’s music service.

The 2016 festival will be held at Kings’ School in Winchester, where young people aged between six and 18 will be able to learn, play and perform in workshops and masterclasses, as well as watch live performances.

Peter Edgar, the county council’s executive member for education, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for children and young people of all musical abilities to come together and get involved with music.

“The festival is geared up to appeal to a broad range of guitar players, from complete beginners to advanced, and it is a chance for all to learn and grow.

“The event promises to be great fun with a fantastic atmosphere, and I hope young people from all across Hampshire will come along and get involved.”

For beginners and parents, there are two workshops, where they will learn a number of easy chords in order to play hundreds of songs.

The more advanced guitarists can take part in a classical masterclass with acclaimed UK guitarist Gary Ryan, to develop their technique and musicianship, or be shown how to master non-traditional techniques in their own playing, such as the likes of Newton Faulkner and Michael Hedges.

Other workshops include a song writing class – to learn the secrets of writing a hit song; fingerpicking – to turn a simple chord pattern into something truly memorable; and the Looper Pedal – that turns a solo performer into a one man band.

At the end of the day, everyone taking part will have the opportunity to enjoy an evening concert with their family and friends, with performances from solo musicians, ensembles and unplugged local bands, with a finale performance by Gary Ryan.

The event is on Saturday, July 9, between 2pm and 8.30pm, Tickets cost £5 for up to three workshops, or £3 for one, and include entry to the evening concert. Tickets to the evening concert are £2, for friends and family.

For more details see www. hants.gov. uk/hms