THE RECENT Live at Newent Lake event was a chance to showcase local musical talent and find a suitable act to open the town's forthcoming Onion Fayre.

And the waterside event was also a chance to welcome back one of the town's rising stars, 'Rosita', who is currently studying Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts and has just produced her first EP.

Newent town councillor, Colin Thomas said: "The event, which was started a few years ago by students in Newent Community School and which is now carried on by Soundscape Community Music Association takes place to provide entertainment for Newent and to showcase local talent.This year it featured more groups who also competed to be the band that opens on the main stage of this year’s Onion Fayre on Saturday September 9.

David Sass, chairman of Soundscape Community Music Association added: “ I was very pleased with the event as a whole and the groups who came along to ‘audition’ for the opening spot on the Onion Fayre’s main stage. The competition between the bands was quite amazing.The standard was a much higher this year and it is still pleasing to see that all performers were young local musicians. This says a great deal about music in Newent and the surrounding area”

He added: "This year the event was pleased to be able to welcome back 'Rosita'. She is from Newent and came back to Newent to specifically perform at the Live @ Newent Lake event.

"As well as wonderful performance by the Strawberry Hill Dancers and Rosita, the performers that took part were Caitlin Dunnett, Strawberries and Cream, Puffer, Filthy Casuals, Newspaper Taxis, Wake the World and Tom Wirth.

"Excellent performances were given by all but the group chosen by the judges was The Filthy Casuals who will now open the Onion Fayre this year."

Cllr Thomas said: "Mention must also be made for the stage crew, all of whom are students attending Newent Community School and who did an excellent job despite the odd shower. They have already stage managed several events this year for Soundscape including, amongst others, The Big Lunch, Pauntley Real Ale Festival and Newent Orchestra’s Spring Concert."