MUSICIANS from Gwent Music will be performing at the Celtic Manor resort at a special concert this week, giving the public a chance to see award-winning ensembles ahead of the groups' competition season.

The Greater Gwent Youth String Orchestra will be in concert in the Augusta Suite at the Lodge on Saturday at 6.30pm. The Greater Gwent Youth Jazz Orchestra also performed at the resort earlier in the week. The groups are two of 95 preparing for the Music for Youth Regional Festival next month. Both have previously travelled to venues all over the UK and to the Schools Proms in London several times.

Emma Archer, part of the Senior Leadership Team at Gwent Music: "This week’s concerts allow the students to play to an appreciative audience and get a live reaction to the pieces that they are preparing for the Regional Festival.

"The Celtic Manor is becoming a regular performance venue for Gwent Music, this is only possible because of their generosity in sponsoring the hire costs. It certainly adds a sense of occasion for the performers which is so important after all their hard work."

Tickets for the performance are £5 and available on the door.