A SERIES of masterclasses are set to be launched at Warrington Music Festival to help teach aspiring young artists and backstage crew how to put on their own concerts.

Accent Music Education Hub and Priestley College have teamed up to launch the masterclasses, called Gigcraft, at Golden Square’s Old Market Place on Friday, May 24 as part of Warrington Music Festival.

Aimed at young musicians in Warrington and Halton from Year nine to Year 13, the initial workshops will provide a taste of what to expect when the eight-week online programme beings in June.

The first session on Friday, May 24, will start at 4pm and show aspiring artists how to put their music on sites like Apple Music and Spotify, as well as a guide to securing gigs and cultivating a fanbase.

“The new partnership with Priestley College, combined with the generous support from Accent Music Education Hub, is a really exciting development,” said Steve Oates, Warrington Music Festival founder.

“Gigcraft is a great addition to the Warrington Music Festival format and will, no doubt, help to support the development of the next generation of artists, technicians and event organisers in Warrington.

Attendees can gain practical knowledge from sound engineers, stage managers, musicians and tour managers at a live sound check.

Guests at this first interactive seminar include Warrington’s own Callum Bate, who has worked with Viola Beach, Jake Bugg and The Amazons.

Young musicians can also sign up for further Gigcraft sessions on Saturday, May 25.

“Gigcraft bridges the gap for young musicians and aspiring stage crew,” said Michael Grainger, music performance and production teacher at Priestley College.

“Stepping onto a pro stage can be daunting, but collaborating with the Warrington Music Festival makes perfect sense.

“Steve has been championing emerging talent for years in a really supportive environment.

“We’re very lucky to have something like this in our town.”

Young people will have the opportunity to sign-up for a free Gigcraft summer programme, a further series of skills training and hands-on workshops in June and July leading to concerts and events devised, organised and run by the participants themselves.

To find out more information, see the full timetable and sign up, click here.