Wolverhampton set for festival fun up the Junction

is excited about Junction, the festival of contemporary arts planned for Chapel Ash, in Wolverhampton, this weekend.

Here at ExpressandStar.com Towers we like to sing the praises of unsigned bands from across the region. Each week, we trawl through a veritable cornucopia of underground tunes in search of the next big thing.

Like all good bands, however, we're keen not to be pigeon-holed. We think of ourselves as embracing all genres and embodying the virtues of a good festival: we focus on the best of new music but are equally willing to espouse the virtues of great local comedy, video projection or visual art, when the time is right.

It's no surprise that we've been wowed, therefore, by Junction, the festival of contemporary arts planned for Chapel Ash, in Wolverhampton, on September 2 and 3.

Junction is a free event that will bring together a broad spectrum of work from local musicians, performers and visual artists.

The lively two-day programme will provide people with an opportunity to look around artist's studios, with White Tree Studios and Eagle Works opening their doors to visitors.

Musicians and artists will appear, or display their work, in the showrooms of local traders, cafes, public houses and interventions in the street.

A spokesman said: "With generous support from many local businesses and organisations we are able to present an exciting festival, contributing to the vibrant and upbeat feel of this edge of city-centre community."

The team behind the event is Wolverhampton Contemporary Art Forum, a group comprised predominantly of practicing visual artists, and the festival will be its first major event.

The weekend's musical component will be hosted by three pubs in the Chapel Ash area, comprising The Clarendon Hotel, at 38 Chapel Ash; The Combermere Arms, at 90 Chapel Ash and The Royal Oak, at 707 Compton Road.

A spokesman for the festival said: "Junction will host a variety of music to enjoy in the day and evening from solo artists, to emerging and more established local bands as well as buskers.

"The Clarendon is one confirmed venue for the evening performances with bands such as The Masqueraders among some the line-up.

"Entrance to events will be limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis so people should arrive early to avoid disappointment. The Clarenden will host bands on the evening of September 3 from 7pm onwards.

"A lively busking programme is confirmed, with musicians performing throughout the day on September 2 and 3 at the junction of Merridale Road and Compton Road.

"Sessions begin at 12 noon each day with new acts every two hours until around 6pm. People can come along and enjoy the live entertainment on offer."

* If you have news of unsigned bands or events that feature local talent, email them to csymmons@shropshirestar.co.uk

Local bands can also send gig news, mp3s and website details.