THIS year's York Live music festival promises to bring an action-packed programme to the city, organisers said today.

The event is taking place between Friday, May 25, and Monday, May 28, across the city.

Kirsty Halliday, the festival organiser, said: "Once again, York Live will be showcasing the best in local talent and celebrating the city's vibrant music scene."

Performers of all ages and ability will be taking part and during the four days of the festival, more than 80 local acts will be involved.

During the opening evening there will be a performance at the University of York's Music Research Centre, by the Final Curtain Drama Group, from Park Grove School, and young children from Applefields School, who have been brought together to perform a piece of musical theatre by Jessie's Fund.

The York-based charity was set up by the parents of Jessica George, a pupil at Park Grove Primary, who died in 1994 due to an inoperable brain tumour, aged nine. The fund helps ill and disabled children to communicate through music.

The varied programme also includes performances by York's best young bands, new DJ talent and nine live acoustic acts.