AN EVENT to celebrate the higher achievements of young music students will be held in Crediton on New Year's Day.

Paul Vincent and Tim Matthews proudly present The Music Makers' Crediton Youth Concert in the presence of Cllr Frank Letch, Mayor of Crediton, from 2.30pm on January 1, 2014.

Any young person wishing to be included should contact Paul Vincent as soon as possible, and before November 20.

This new event provides a friendly and welcoming opportunity for up to 12 promising young musicians from the Crediton area, ages eight to 18, to sing or play a piece of their own choice.

Invited performers must have achieved a Merit or Distinction at a Grade exam at any Grade level (ABRSM or equivalent) during the last 12 months.

A modern Welmar grand piano is available for solo piano, or for accompanying. Teachers are welcome to accompany their pupils, or an accompanist can be provided.

Refreshments will be available to performers/accompanists, plus free ticket for one additional adult.

A voucher to the value of £20 will be presented to each performer to spend at the Crediton Community Bookshop. Full acknowledgement of teachers will be published in the programme.

Paul Vincent, explained: "In order to achieve a varied and interesting programme, the final selection of performers will be based on a number of factors, including a range of Grade levels, students of different ages and illustrating a variety of voice and instruments.

"If there is a high demand and we are not able to accommodate all requests, we will try and arrange subsequent events at which more young musicians can have the opportunity to play. So it would be good to hear from you even if this first occasion is not possible for you.

"The choice of New Year's Day, we understand, may not suit everyone – and some may be away on holiday.

"Nevertheless, I trust you will welcome this musical initiative to usher in the New Year and further build the Crediton area's reputation for music-making."

Tickets: £5 (on the door). Doors open at 1.30pm. Food and drink will be available.

For further details, contact Paul by email at: [email protected]">[email protected] or telephone 01363 775048.