Talented young musicians are taking to the stage at Castle Rushen for the third year in a row.

Bands and soloists who form part of the Department of Education and Children’s (DEC) Soundcheck project will take part in Live at the Castle on Saturday 27th June (2pm to 11pm).

The line-up includes Alice Dudley, The Game is On, Marc McCabe O’Kelly, Azariah, Red Sift, Callum Falmeri, Hez and Ashe, Hilltop Hallucinations and others to be announced.

The gig will be followed, on Sunday 28th June, with Open Mic at the Castle (2pm to 6pm) and an invitation is extended to all young performers, who should just turn up on the day.

Soundcheck offers young people aged 11 to 19 rehearsal space, instrument use, PA equipment, advice and support.

It holds sessions in Douglas, Peel, Ramsey and Castletown and has its own recording studio at the Youth Arts Centre, Douglas, issuing CDs on its own record label.

Last year, the project was granted charitable status, His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor, Adam Wood, agreeing to be its patron.

Dave Hattersley, Youth Officer with the DEC, said: ‘Soundcheck is going from strength to strength, with new members joining weekly – including bands and solo artists at the younger end of our age range.

‘The Castle gig is now a firm fixture in our calendar and gives Soundcheck artists the chance to play to a real audience in an incredible setting.’

Standard Castle Rushen admission prices apply prior to 5pm on Saturday June 27th and for the whole of the Sunday 28th June event, with free entry for ACE card holders, season pass holders and Friends of Manx National Heritage.

After 5pm on the Saturday, admission is ?5 for adults and ?3 for children and students.

You can follow @SoundcheckIoM on Twitter and Soundcheck Isle of Man on facebook.

Dave said: ‘Thanks go to Manx National Heritage and the Isle of Man Arts Council for their support and Event Solutions for providing the stage.’