YOUNG Bradford bands, including musicians and performers with learning disabilities, will be showcasing their talents at a festival in the city.

Sormfest is organised annually by the Bradford-based School of Rock and Media (Sorm) to give bands who use its studio chance to play live.

This is the fourth Sormfest and the line-up includes Bradford bands Francis, the Voodoo Bats and Reject Renegades, a learning disability punk band.

The bands have all been signed by Sorm's record label, Sorm Records. Also on the bill is Clan of Anarchy, Shot in the Dark, Dravenfall, Damage JT, the 69 Band and The Positives.

Sorm Studios opened near the city centre, in 2013 after re-locating from MAPA Youth and Community Centre in West Bowling. The recording and rehearsal studio is used by musicians, bands and solo artists, and there are also sessions for people with disabilities.

It is run by youth and community development worker John Bolton, a drummer and percussionist, and Tony Saunders, the bassist with Bradford band The Negatives.

They set up Sorm as a social enterprise, helping musicians develop skills and gain experience of recording and performing, and renovated a disused building, creating a music hub with a recording studio, rehearsal space, acoustic lounge and teaching room.

The ethos is to have a go, regardless of experience. “It’s about young people learning and showcasing skills,” says Tony. “They don’t have to be pitch perfect - it’s just great experience and a confidence boost."

Youngsters using Sorm have taken part in a concert at the Royal Albert Hall, and local events such as the Lord Mayor’s Parade, Aire Valley Festival, Eccyfest and Bradfactor.

es. In 2014 young musicians taking part in Sorm's 'Girls Rock' weekly session was invited to perform a warm-up gig for a Leeds concert by American rockers Pearl Jam.

Sorm offers guitar and drumming lessons, a ‘junior jam’ session for children and courses for young people and adults with learning disabilities.

"We get them into music and help build their confidence and performing skills," says John. “Music is therapy, and it’s a leveller. We have two boys with Fragile X syndrome, when one of them first arrived he wouldn’t talk to anyone but he went on to perform with me at EccyFest.”

Tuition is provided by John, Tony and other professional musicians. “We teach and mentor acts,” says John. “We hold jamming sessions where different kinds of music evolve; it’s a supportive, inclusive environment. Punk, heavy metal, blues, rock ‘n’ roll, rap, pop - you name it, it’s here."

Adds Tony: “We help put bands together, get them recording and gigging. It all helps to keep the music scene in Bradford going.

“We teach practical skills too. Being in a band is about discipline and responsibility and everyone gets involved with promoting gigs, designing posters and marketing.

“We work with colleges and schools; students come on work placements and work front-of-house, answering the phone and taking bookings as well as working at community events and festivals."

* Sormfest takes place at the Delius Art and Cultural Centre, Great Horton Road, Bradford, on Saturday, March 5. Tickets are available at Sorm, Edward Street, Bradford, beforehand or at Sormfest on the day. For more information call Tony on 07504 561 713 or John on 07957 192923 or visit sormstudios@virginmedia.com