Celebrating and promoting the benefits of music is the theme of a new initiative.

Now Newark and Sherwood District Council’s Alive With Music is asking people across the area to get involved and share their passion and ideas.

A second meeting of the project will be held on Tuesday, 1st October, and people involved with music are invited to attend.

Anyone interested in attending at the Palace Theatre, Newark, on 1st October, from 6pm to 8pm, should call 01636 650000 or emailing [email protected]

Coun Rowan Cozens, deputy leader of the council and portfolio holder for Heritage, Culture and the Arts, who will again chair the meeting, said: “Music is so vital and I wanted to organise a series of events that not only celebrate it, but will also ensure that it is firmly placed as a focus for the council going forward.

“This is a chance for musicians, both amateur and professional, and all those involved in music-making in the district, to network, exchange ideas, and to celebrate all that music brings to our lives.

“There is a huge musical movement in our district that is currently untapped and not all connected.

“I want to ensure that this breaks out into the open and encourages even more people to pick up an instrument or sing a song for the first time — and to fully understand the incredible benefits music can bring to your life.

“Therefore, I’m keen to ensure that any local people involved in music in any capacity, or those who would like to be but don’t know how, make contact with us and get an invitation to this second event celebrating music.”

Among those at the first meeting was Dukeries pianist Chris Miggells (pictured above, left, at the first meeting of Alive With Music), who last year hosted concerts at Clipstone Colliery headstocks.

“During our first event, we heard from many musicians and composers whose lives have changed dramatically because of music,” added Rowan.

“We heard from people who were introduced to music as young children, and it helped shape them into the people they are today and prevented them from being distracted by unfavourable activities.

“The power of music shouldn’t be underestimated and we’re hoping to raise its local profile through these meetings.”

During the second evening, guest performers and speakers will include Newark and Sherwood Concert Band, development band and multi-instrumentalist and percussionist Chris Brannick, known for his work with Ensemble Bash and as principal percussionist with the Glyndebourne Touring Opera for 15 years.

The founder and artistic director of Southwell Music Festival, Marcus Farnsworth, a baritone who performs around the world, and John Wright, from The Workshop Newark, a local violin maker who also teaches at the Newark School of Violin Making, will also be attending.

Milly Lawson, of the council’s Open Doors team at the Palace Theatre, Newark, will talk about its projects.

Rowan added: “I know this will be the beginning of something very special for Newark and Sherwood.”