A MUSIC extravaganza is set to take place at the George Ward School in Melksham.

Rock 2006 will feature 10 live acts providing a show combining original compositions and well-known covers, with all profits going to charity. The event will take place next Friday, with music ranging from pop to heavy rock played out with a huge sound system and spectacular lighting.

The annual rock concert, now in its eleventh year, is aimed at encouraging young students into all aspects of the music business including writing recording, and behind the scenes work as well as performing.

Mel Austin, event organiser and an ex-deputy head at George Ward, said: "We are hoping for a dazzling evening with Melksham's youngsters showing how talented they are as performers and songwriters.

"It has always been successful in the past, with crowds of 250-300 and this time even more kids have auditioned to be in it." To take part in the show, pupils must audition, compose at least one original song and then record and perform live on stage.

The most talented songwriters work throughout the year with an ex-member of staff, who co-writes, arranges, records and mixes their compositions, the best of which are sent to record companies. Some past performers at this event have gone on to success at a local and even national level.

"It has spawned lots of bands who have been successful at a local level such as Nishe, Lambsbread and Poor Eric," said Mr Austin.

"We have also had individuals who have been successful on a wider scale, like singer/ songwriter Neil Gay and record producer Dan Austin."

A CD with all the 13 original songs from the concert will be on sale on the night and a DVD of the highlights will be available before Easter. Mr Austin said: "By coming along you will get over two hours of excellent entertainment. Feel what Top of the Pops, CD UK, and a big rock concert are like in the flesh and admire the talent of local young people."

Profits from ticket sales, CD sales and a blind auction' are being shared between three charities. These are the Jonah Wright Fund, set up to aid a young cerebral palsy sufferer, GBSS, which works with those affected by group B streptococcus, the most common cause of life-threatening infections in newborn babies, and cancer charities.

  • Tickets are now on sale and cost £5 in advance and £6 on the door. There are only 350 seats available, so people are being urged to book early to avoid disappointment.