A MUSIC community made up of mid Cheshire teenagers is flourishing in Rudheath.

The Amplify Youth Music Project, based at The Venue, has gone from strength to strength since it was set up six months ago.

Paul Barrett, a volunteer with Connexions who helped establish the project, said: “The idea behind Amplify is that it’s a non profit night and it’s to give youth bands of the area somewhere they can come and play in a relaxed and encouraging environment – they don’t have to go to bars to get experience and confidence.

“If bands are trying to find somewhere to perform for their first gig they should just come along and enjoy the night.”

He added: “We want to build up a youth community and a music community in Northwich and that’s what we are all about.”

The project, which holds band nights at The Venue once a month, is linking up with Mid Cheshire College, Sir John Deane’s College and the high schools in the area to spread the word.

“It’s been a word of mouth thing so far but our following is getting bigger and bigger,” said Paul.

“At last month’s event 50 to 70 young people came down.”

Amplify is very much led by the young people who enjoy it, with weekly meetings between the young people, volunteers and Connexions staff.

Paul said: “What sets us apart is that young people come along and say ‘we want this kind of band night’ or ‘we want to do this’ – it’s about the young people getting involved and making it their own project.”

Plans in the pipeline include setting up an arts side to Amplify in September.

• The group’s first big event will be an all dayer at The Venue on Saturday, July 23.

The event begins at 1pm with activities and workshops as well as an acoustic stage outside, weather permitting.

Sam Lyon, Will Garner and Lisa & Dave are lined up to perform on the acousic stage.

From 5pm to 9.30pm the event will move inside with six bands planned to appear, including Demon Skull, Hymn for the Fallen, The Turquoise Light District, Superhero Eugene and the Orange Juice Sunshine Band, King Sherman and headliners Our Innocence Lost.

Entry is £2.

• For more information about Amplify or the all dayer search for Amplify – youth music project on Facebook, YouTube and Twitter, email andrew.bantock@connexions-cw.co.uk or ring 01606 305200.