REPRESENTING rock from Bewdley, Swallows will be taking part in a special concert celebrating the very best young Rock and Pop bands from across the West Midlands, organized in partnership with Worcestershire County Council's Youth Music service.

The five-piece impressed the judges at a Battle of the Bands event held by Worcestershire Youth Music in January, and on Saturday (June 20) will take to the stage at Birmingham's O2 Academy.

The winning acts, which also includes another Worcestershire act, Pershore's Chase The Deer, were intended to perform at the West Midlands OMG Festival, but when the organisers unfortunately pulled the event, Worcestershire Youth Music and a number of other music services from around the region came together to put on a replacement concert.

Swallows feature Maddie Abbotts and Theone Dawes on vocals, Luke Barnett on guitar and vocals, Luke Grayland on bass, and Leo Hopley on drums.

Brian Hoggard, head of contemporary music at Worcestershire Youth Music, said: "We are really proud to be putting forward Swallows and Chase The Deer to represent the county at this amazing event. Both of them have a great attitude and are writing really memorable original music. It's very important that we celebrate and support the creativity of our young contemporary musicians who work so hard honing their craft."

The event starts at 7pm and tickets are £7 for up to 16s and £9 for others. Minimum age is 8 and under 14s must be accompanied by an adult. For tickets, visit o2academybirmingham.co.uk.

For more information about Worcestershire Youth Music, call 01905 425611 or visit worcestershire.gov.uk/music.