YOUNG musicians will flock from across the north to take to the stage in Colne at the weekend for the annual Luther Greenwood Memorial Festival.

Junior vocal and instrumental classes will be held at the Muni on Saturday from 9am with a new category for juniors to sing light opera/musical songs.

The new Netherghyll Trophy will be presented by chairman of the music section Hilda Harrison.

There will also be the junior and adult speech and drama classes at St John's parish hall throughout the day.

Adults musicians will get their opportunity to show off their talents in the second half of the competition on Saturday, December 1.

The popular festival, which attracts talent from across the region, will be split between Colne Municipal Hall, St Bartholomew's Church and St John's Methodist Church.

Secretary Muriel Waite said: "We are hoping for another successful year.

"Entries, particularly in the adult vocal classes, are up slightly on last year and the new junior trophy has been popular with 22 entries.

"We are also expecting a good evening session on December 1 when we have four ladies choirs performing -- Colne Ladies, Nelson Civic Ladies, the Saddleworth Singers and the Dalvait Singers, who are travelling frm Scotland to take part."

There will also be competitors from Yorkshire and Cheshire.