WESTON College is hoping to propel a new generation of musical talent towards chart stardom through a revolutionary new concert project.

Nearly 40 students working towards an extended diploma in music practice have been taking to stages across Bristol and beyond in gigs arranged by the college.

The aim is to give young musicians a chance to play to live audiences and find out what life is like for professionals in the industry.

Popular Bristol venues like The Louisiana and Attic Bar have already hosted college bands, and other major southern cities have also been visited.

The idea is the brainchild of tutor Michael Gillett, who said: “This is the first year we’ve done it and it’s worked fantastically well.

“We started in September and I basically hit the phones, working as a promoter to place the various line-ups in venues I thought were suitable.

“Since then we’ve played all over the place. We’ve done many of the well-known venues in Bristol, and we’ve also gone out to Bath, London and Cambridge. Everywhere we’ve been we’ve received a great welcome.”

Weston bands such as Danny and Brad, Syren Blue, Monsoon Lights, Paper Horse, Throne of Demise, Indigo and Wired Eyes have already hit the road for college-arranged gigs.

The project has proven so popular that students from the college’s other music course are now getting involved too.

Michael added: “We played a gig down in Chard in south Somerset and the whole pub was raving about our students. The audience didn’t know what to expect – all they knew was that it was a band from Weston College.

“To have such a reception is amazing, and it really boosts the students’ confidence.”