MORE than 150 musicians have signed up to appear at West Somerset’s first music festival aimed at giving amateur grassroots players a chance to perform at a large event.

The first ‘Cramptonbury Musicians’ Festival’ is being hosted by the Butchers’ Arms, in Carhampton.

It will be held on Saturday, September 19, providing five stages for 12 hours of amateur music starting at 11 am and ranging from shanties and folk to sambas and rock.

Performers will not be paid and admittance is free, but the organisers hope to raise money for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

There will also be a mini beer and cider festival.

A spokesperson said: “West Somerset has an amazing amateur music scene of a remarkably high standard.

“All too often, these talented musicians find themselves playing to each other and the publican’s dog, or fighting to be heard against a background of chatter.

“Cramptonbury 26 is here to put that right and to showcase local artists who, more often than not, play simply for the love of music and not for any reward.

“We will be bringing together players and singers from open mic nights, acoustic nights, traditional sessions, community choirs, shanty crews, dance troupes, and folk clubs, and will present them in a festival of their own.

“This is a golden opportunity for all those interested in performing music.

“Many have been lifelong players, and others are just starting.

“Either way, they rarely get the opportunity to play to a large crowd.

“There will be five stages, some outside, across the pub site, with music and dancing from over 200 performers throughout the day.”

The recently reopened Butchers’ Arms is providing all the facilities for the festival.

Hive Studios, in Old Cleeve, is supplying the sound systems free of charge, and local community groups will be making appearances.