YOUNG people are bidding to hold an open-air music festival which would be the first of its kind in Rossendale.

Supporters of the White Horse Project, in Edgeside and Waterfoot, are looking to secure funding of £27,500 from the Youth Music charity’s Power Play Fund for a prospective gig in Edgeside Park.

The Burnley Road East project’s Keegan Curran said: “We have high hopes should we receive this funding.”

Under the bid, a series of free training sessions would be run for young people, resulting in recording studio time and a series of public performances, culminating in the concert, which could be attended by hundreds of young people.

Promoters are discussing proposals to invite some famous names to the gathering to perform alongside Valley musicians.

Youth Music’s regional officer Chris Spriggs has been helping the Rossendale effort over the past few months, offering advice about the Power Play Fund.

Since winning planning permission to convert the former White Horse pub into its headquarter, the initiative has centred much of its work on music.

Each Friday The Boilerhouse, a venue for 11 to 18-year-olds, operates out of an industrial unit at Dale Mill, with several other arts and media activities on offer throughout the week.

The project is also set to launch its own mentoring scheme after the Easter holidays and has been involved in drugs and alcohol awareness counselling in recent weeks.

Extra volunteers and helpers are also being sought for the project’s autumn programme and people interested can call 01706 221889.