With the Jesmond Festival gaining speed, JesmondLocal reporters have tracked down one of last year’s acts to learn more about what the City Youth Music Group is all about.

James Harrison, who at just 18 is one of the group’s organisers and social media producers, explained the reason the Youth Group was set up in 2009 was because parents with children who wanted to perform didn’t know where to approach or how to go about setting gigs up. Eventually after demand continued to grow, City Music Youth Group was born and is now in its fifth year.

When quizzed on what the group does for kids interested in music and performing, Harrison summarised that “it’s an organisation which gives kids and young people gigs and helps them get chances to perform in bigger, and sometimes smaller venues, and have a go at music while they’re young”. The whole aim of the group is to “give them experience and confidence.”

A talented musician himself, playing the mandolin, guitar and singing, Harrison revealed that the Youth Group would again be involved with Jesmond Festival. This year, they will be hosting an event at the Jesmond Cricket Club on the 16th May at 7:30pm, with three bands playing. Among the genres of music on offer there will be plenty of indie styles as well as more heavy rock tunes to get the crowd on their feet and provide something for everyone.

If music is a passion, Harrison stresses that “anybody can give it a go” and it isn’t just kids who take part in the group, as organisers are sought after as well. Another way to show off your abilities is to attend one of the Jesmond’s Got Talent events, held in Jesmond-based cafes. Some prizes up for grabs, donated by Bailey and Co, include two hours’ recording at a music studio and a selection of iTunes vouchers.

The City Youth Music Group will be playing at the Jesmond Cricket Club on May 16th, at 7:30pm. For more information, visit http://www.cityyouthmusic.org