THE SOUND of music will be coming to York later this month when the city's hosts a festival of live entertainment.

Various bands, choirs and orchestras will all be performing in the city centre at the York Live 2005 festival, which takes place next weekend.

The festival runs from May 20 to 22, and will include live shows, free workshops, and competitions for the city's budding musicians.

On the Friday evening, York Grand Opera House will host the Best Of Bands event, in which local young bands can record a studio demo to compete for prizes, including the chance to perform in public. The contest is open to ten to 19 year olds.

On the Saturday, various bands will perform in Parliament Street. Jazz, Samba, funk and soul groups will play between 11am and 3pm. At the Jam Factory in Eldon Street, there will be free workshops for 11 to 18 year olds to learn about the music industry, while a selection of York choirs will be singing in Coppergate. In the evening, the City Screen Basement Bar will be the venue for a night of experimental electronic music.

Sunday will see the Music Circus take to the city centre, offering people the chance to try their hand at percussion, with African drumming and junk-instruments available. A group of Guerrilla Musicians will also be touring the city's parks and suburbs, while brass bands will be playing in Coppergate.

Councillor Keith Orrell, City of York Council's executive member for leisure, said: "The line up for the week-end of music is so varied that there will be something for everyone. There are lots of opportunities for young people to get involved in music making and live music in the city for all tastes. It's going to be a great weekend for residents and visitors."

For full details of all the events in the festival, phone Kirsty Halliday at the council on 01904 613161, or by email on kirsty.halliday@york.gov.uk

Updated: 08:33 Thursday, May 12, 2005