MONTHS of planning, co-ordinating and rehearsing came together on Friday as four young Helston bands took to the stage at the Epworth Hall.

The young musicians, all users of the Penrose Road Community Centre, were responsible for organising the event – the first time they had undertaken such a task – while for others, it was their first time performing.

Music teacher Al Rideout explained: "It was mainly down to John Calver really. He's only 17 and was one of my former pupils.

"He took on the responsibility of organising the whole evening, from the music schedule to arranging people for the door.

"The kids were fantastic. We had 120 young ones come and take part eventually, and it went without a hitch. We have to thank the Epworth Hall for letting the young persons' event be held there.

"I know there were some reservations about it but it was all under control and was a great night."

Local gigs

The event has paved the way for the young musicians to start taking on more local gigs, and have been invited to perform at Porthleven Food and Music Festival's youth event on April 24.

The singers, guitarists, drummers, bassists and other musically talented users of the Penrose Road Community Centre will also be performing at the Crown Inn, Crowntown on Sunday.

"The kids mostly play rock and punk, so they have really had to work hard to produce acoustic, slow and melodic versions of these songs. I think it will be great," said Al.

More than £160 was taken as entrance fees which will be donated to the Daniel Grey Trust, a charity collection set up in the memory of a young musician. Money goes towards buying new equipment for budding musicians to take advantage of at the Penrose Road Community Centre.