A mouth-watering programme of local talents and skills will be taking to the stage at Dereham's Memorial Hall in just over two weeks' time as the town prepares for its first Fringe Festival.

Eastern Daily Press: RockavoX. Photo: Acorn StudiosRockavoX. Photo: Acorn Studios (Image: Released to client)

The idea for the event, which will see the hall open its doors to offer free shows and activities for a whole day, came from the Friends of Dereham Memorial Hall.

They wanted to tempt people into the building to find out what the hall can offer and showcase the variety of talent in the town.

Many groups are unable to afford the fees to put on a show at the hall but this event means it is accessible to all as the Friends have booked it for the day on Saturday, September 9 and slots allocated to different artistes.

Tim Cara, one of the organising group, said: 'We set out to show everyone in the town what the Memorial Hall is capable of doing.

Eastern Daily Press: Busybodies Stage School. PHOTO BY SIMON FINLAYBusybodies Stage School. PHOTO BY SIMON FINLAY

'Although it is used increasingly for shows, exhibitions and events, as well as private functions, there are still so many people who haven't been inside since it was refurbished and modernised five years ago.

'It belongs to us all, and is there for everyone, and should be used more and more.'

The impressive range of free attractions feature top local performers, including BusyBodies Stage School, RockavoX and Blues Youth Extravaganza.

Local arts teachers and leaders will demonstrate and involve their audiences from music hall monologues to performing arts.

There is a chance to learn the rudiments of harmonica playing, as well as the internationally acclaimed talent of Anna Mudeka leading a group through the music of the sub-Saharan Mbira, or thumb piano.

More than 20 voluntary organisations will have stands and stalls to display and talk about their work in the community and throughout the day visitors will be entertained and serenaded by buskers, including a ukulele band, and professional street musicians and festival acts.

In the evening top stand-up comedy returns to Dereham in the form of Norwich-based Red Card Comedy Club.

Full details, including the time table, are on the website.

Tickets for Red Card Comedy Club are available on line for £13 here or from Bright and Beautiful Flowers, Wellington Road, Dereham.