YOUNG people in Taunton who would like to learn to play a musical instrument are being offered the chance of a free taster lesson.

Music for All's Learn to Play initiative is being held at venues across the UK, including at the Guildhall Young Artists base at Richard Huish College.

The sessions in Taunton on Saturday and Sunday, October 8 and 9, are for anyone wishing to pick up an instrument for the first time ro who wants to return to music making.

Tony Followell, Music for All’s chairman of trustees, said: “The past two years have been difficult for many people, but it has revealed how important music is to all our lives and how it can comfort and bring people together even in the most difficult of circumstances.

"Many of the people who took up an instrument for the first time during lockdown would not have had the opportunity to have had a physical lesson.

"Through the Learn to Play event, we aim to inspire and help as many people as possible understand the unique joys and benefits of learning to play an instrument which could turn into a lifetime of enjoyment or even a new career.

"I encourage those who picked up an instrument during lockdown to come along to the event and experience a lesson for free.”

Music for All patron Jools Holland said: "Making music is very important to me. It’s my work, my pleasure, my friend, companion and therapist.

"The charity Music for All believes passionately in the unique power of music to changes lives and that is why it runs Learn to Play.

"If you’re a budding or lapsed musician, come along to the event for a two-day celebration of music making.”

For further details visit www.musicforall.org.uk/learn-to-play/