YOUNG musicians from across Wyre Forest will showcase their songwriting talent at the first ever Franche Fest and Barbecue this Friday (July 4) at Franche Community Primary School.

The performers will provide entertainment during the evening while visitors can enjoy refreshments including a barbecue, ice cream, candyfloss, doughnuts, popcorn and cup cakes.

Performers include singer songwriter Grace Winnitt, a music student at Kidderminster College, Lauren Wright, of Bewdley, who has supported JLS and had a single feature on the Radio One playlist, and Ben Stancombe, an acoustic guitarist and singer.

They will feature alongside The Bewdley School and Sixth Form Centre and Wolverley CE Secondary School bands.

Val Weddell-Hall, Franche Community Primary School headteacher, said: “We are really excited at holding our first Franche Fest and Barbecue on a Friday and expect it to attract hundreds of local people.

“We are particularly thrilled to be celebrating so much young talent.”

There will also be children’s entertainment on offer featuring a magic show, badge making, face painting, bouncy castle, tombolas and the chance to pan for gold.

Event organisers are also holding a raffle, with top prizes of a family ticket at the Feel Good Health Club at Kidderminster Mercure Hotel worth £1,000, the chance to drive a Jaguar for a weekend, and a giant hamper.

The Friday night fest replaces the annual Franche summer fair, traditionally held on a Sunday daytime.

Mrs Weddell-Hall said: “We know from speaking to parents and staff that they had a preference for an event after school, particularly given the huge range of other events and sporting commitments that our families have at weekends.

“Now all we ask for is decent weather to encourage as many people as possible to join us on our fabulous school fields.”

The event, organised by the Franche Primary School Association, runs from 5.30pm to 9.30pm and costs £1 for adults and is free for children.