SINGERS of all abilities are invited to take part in the second Wye Valley River Festival.

The festival was last held in 2014 and attracted 20,000 visitors to a 60-mile stretch of the River Wye.

Taking place over a fortnight the festival brings a series of innovative and spectacular events to locations along the river, launching in Hereford on April 29 and culminating in Chepstow on May 15.

The festival is a celebration of nature, culture, landscape and life along the river in the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

As plans get underway for the event, organisers want the public to be a part the performances at the biennial event and are holding a series of free singing sessions for people aged 16 and above and abilities in the run-up to the festival.

The sessions are for those who want to take part in the performances and the finale on May 15. They take place at the Shire Hall, Monmouth, on February 13 and Llandogo Village Hall, Llandogo on February 14, both between 2pm and 4pm and will be led by Elle Holliday.

There is no need to book a place, just turn up on the day.

Sarah Sawyer, community links officer with the Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, said: “Singing opportunities will continue in the lead-up to the festival, with talented choir leaders and singers leading enjoyable and fun events, singing songs about water, rivers, rain, tears, and tea.

“We will look at all kinds of different songs, so whatever kind of music people like, there’ll be something they love.

“These sessions are for everyone. If you like to sing, or if you think you can’t sing, if you have never sung, if you used to sing but haven’t for ages - this is for you.”

To find out more visit wyevalleyaonb.org.uk or follow the festival on Twitter: @wyebeauty #wyevalleyriverfestival.