A historic college is opening its musical gates today.

Rochester Independent College (RIC), in Star Hill, will invite members of the public to come and see the opening of the new steel gates that double up as an instrument.

The City of Rochester Symphony Orchestra will perform “Pigs with Altitude”.

The quirky gates, which don a flying pig with sunglasses - the unofficial logo of the college - was created by sound sculptor Henry Dagg.

Mr Dagg has several friends in the music industry who have taken interest in the gates, including Bob Geldof, who popped in for a visit.

The 62-year-old said: “The installation represents a most unusually large, visionary investment by a college with a very individual style. It has a pitch span of six octaves, so most of the orchestral range, and each section has its own very distinctive sound quality, ready for its debut performance.

“It will require a group of players to co-operate, in a manner similar to hand-bell ringers which will help develop skills every musician needs to be a good ensemble player.”

Founding principal Brian Pain said: “I wanted to make an impact.”, to mark the founding and growth of the college in a way that demonstrates our individuality and dynamism but also creates something beautiful and, more importantly, fun,” explained Brian, describing the sculpture as “a stunning piece of artwork which also has fundamental educational value, not only to our college but also to a lot of the surrounding schools and wider community.”

There will be an inaugural performance of the gates to an invited audience on Sunday, between 6pm and 7pm.