by Jeff Reines ()

YOUNG musicians rocked Truro's public gardens at their annual showcase event.

The Gig in the Gardens saw eight acts fill the air around Victoria Gardens with sounds of all styles.

Children and teenagers also showed off their talents through a graffiti workshop and unusual boat-building exercise.

The annual event has been run by the Zebs youth music centre for 15 years.

Zebs Music Co-ordinator Jem Mackay, who oversaw this year's gig, said: "It went fantastically well and we had several hundred people through during the afternoon and evening.

"It was so good to see these young people given this opportunity and take it and work so hard to achieve something so impressive and all off their own backs.

"We had everything from rap to acoustic solo acts, dance music and straightforward hard rock, including covers and original material.

"It's very encouraging."

All the bands have spent time at Zebs, taking advantage of weekly drop-in sessions.

They were offered free use of Zebs, rehearsal and recording studio.

The acts appearing were Nif Nof, Fall Down Freddie, Audio Priests, Jetpack To Jupiter, Standing in the Ashes, Hedluv, rapper Chicken, and solo performer Sam Rabey.

Another group of youngsters showed off boats they built.

Thay had been given the challenge of creating them from a blueprint and list of materials.

Colourful workshops also got the creative juices flowing.

Anyone interested is invited to attend the drop-in sessions from 6pm to 9pm on Wednesday nights at Zeb's in The Leats, which also boasts a cafe run by young members.

For further information ring 01872 225941 or email

(Truro West Briton - Thu 4 Sep 2008)