MUSIC college Platform One shone a spotlight on its new intake of students with a showcase at Strings in Newport.

It was the second gig for the students in the space of 12 weeks, with all acts being first year students from Platform One’s two-year, Post 16 BTEC Extended Diploma in Music — the equivalent of at least three A-Levels.

More than 150 people attended the show on November 27, which offered the opportunity for attendees to watch five of the Island’s most promising solo acts and bands before they reach the levels of exposure reached by Lauran Hibberd or Signals.

An entry fee of just £1 allowed the college to cover venue costs.

Tutor Craig Egerton-Read said: “I am so proud of each and every student. They have all worked so hard and achieved so much in a short period of time.”

Fellow tutor Adam Tabner said: “The vocal performances were so strong, and the high standard belied the students’ level of experience.

"This is a very promising and exciting crop of musicians who we hope to see blossom over the next couple of years.”

Further events are planned for the students in the lead up to Christmas.

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