Young musicians will once again be performing to thousands of people in Medway this summer after new partners were found to organise Under Siege.

The concert, which provided a showcase for talented youngsters in Medway, has taken place at the end of the Castle Concerts since 2008.

The event was under threat this year after Training Them Live, the community project that ran the gig, closed down. But the University of Kent and MidKent College have now stepped in as Medway Council’s new partners and applications are now open for those who want to perform on Sunday, July 19.

Under Siege is part of Medway’s Festival of Music and gives gifted young people the chance to play for up to 4,500 people.

This year they will be on the same stage as Status Quo, Steve Harley and Cockney Rebel, Peter Andre, Blue and Billy Ocean, who are all performing at the Castle Concerts earlier in the week.

Under Siege helped The Voice 2014 finalist Jamie Johnson break into the music scene.

Medway Council’s culture director Robin Cooper said: “Every year at Under Siege we uncover more and more talented young local people and I’d like to wish all performers applying for the 2015 show the very best of luck.

“Under Siege is a great free day out for the family and a good opportunity to hear up-and-
coming talent in the area.”

Alan Mash, from the University of Kent, said: “I am thrilled to be involved in Under Siege again this year – it is for me one of the highlights of the Medway Festival of Music. Good luck to everybody.”

Performers aged between 13 and 19, who are living or learning in Medway, have until noon on Thursday, May 28, to submit their applications.

Successful acts will know if they have made it through to the auditions by Monday, June 1. Auditions will be held on Sunday, June 7, at MidKent College.

The gates to Rochester Castle Gardens will open at noon on Sunday, July 19, with performances starting at 1pm.

Application forms are available from a.mash@kent.ac.uk.

For Castle Concert tickets, visit www.thecastleconcerts.co.uk or call 01634 338338