OPPORTUNITIES are knocking for talented musicians with a series of events kicking off in Middlewich on Saturday.

A folk and roots showcase will be the first of a programme of '@the Bull Ring' events taking place throughout the summer.

Starting at noon, Saturday's showcase will feature three Cheshire acts - DearGregory, Dulaman and Simon Cliff - and will provide a taste of things to come at the Folk and Boat Festival, from June 16 to 18.

Events organiser Dave Thompson said: "All of the performers are local and that's why we wanted to feature them and we hope they can use this event as a stepping stone.

"We're calling it a showcase because it's about letting people see and hear young musicians.

"The main point of the programme generally is to provide free entertainment and activities and to showcase the variety of talent at the same time."

He added: "We've done one-off events at the Bull Ring before but this is the first year of a series of events so I'm really looking forward to it.

"People are really interested and when I tell them what's on they say 'what about this' or 'what about that' which is good."

Although Dave hopes the sun will shine down on the folk and roots showcase, he does have a contingency plan up his sleeve for bad weather as the event can be moved into St Michael's Church.

Dave said: "If it rains we're going into the church, but on dates when we can't use the church we'll look at other options.

"From a safety aspect, events involving electricity have got to be the first priority but, even with events without electricity, if it's wet there will be no audience for any length of time. These events are about making the most of it while the weather's good."

l Future events will include a schools fun day, brass band, country music, jazz and blues, Middlewich Olympics and a day of dance.