Music student Matthew Hodges, 16, of Carr Lane, Sandal, has been chosen as one of the support acts for jazz legend Chris Barber at the inaugural cultural event.

His friend, soprano and Queen Elizabeth Grammar School pupil Olivia Dobson, also 16, of Chevet Lane, Sandal, will share the support act duties at the Saturday, July 5 evening concert, which starts at 7.15pm.

Matthew, who studies at Leeds College of Music, said: "I think it's a fantastic opportunity and something I've always wanted to do. I'm going to take the opportunity with both hands."

It is just one part of a day-long festival showcasing talent in music, drama, art and dance at QEGS, Northgate. It has been organised by Wakefield Rotary Club.

The idea for the event sprang from a conversation between music teacher and Rotary vice president Sue Parkin and art lover Brenda Ward, who had motor neurone disease.

When Miss Ward lost her battle with the illness, Mrs Parkin, of Roger Drive, Sandal, organised the festival in her memory.

She said the event, which will feature contributions from 15 schools, was a great way of linking state and private schools together and giving pupils a platform to perform.

Among the attractions will be choirs from Sandal Endowed, Dane Royd Primary School, and St Austin's School, drama from Kettlethorpe High School and art and music from Wakefield Girls High School. Horbury Brass Band and the Gilbert and Sullivan Society will also perform.

Tickets for the evening event cost £21 (£18.50 if purchased before Thursday, May 31). They are available from Townsend Fine Jewellers on Marygate or online at www.digyorkshire.com

Admission to the day event, which starts at 10am, is free.

l July is going to be a busy month for Matthew Hodges as he will also be performing a tribute on national radio to his friend Alex Dawson, a QEGS pupil who died from cancer last November aged 16.

Matthew wrote and performed a song inspired by Alex at his funeral called Left a Man, and will sing it again on July 13 on BBC Radio Two's Good Morning Sunday with Aled Jones.