A rock band exchange for young musicians will see several artists from Europe arrive for a series of events in the West Midlands next week.

The link-up, organised by Worcestershire Arts Education, enables young rock bands in the region to meet up with their counterparts from Holland and Belgium for an exchange of ideas and innovations.

The musicians can work together at special workshops during the day and then team-up for a number of gigs in the evenings. 

The events will take place in Birmingham and Stourbridge - and it's not too late for Midland bands to join the gathering.

Fred Mallinson, Head of Music at Worcestershire Arts Education, said: "The Rock Workshop masterclass is intended to develop new skills and learn from our Dutch and Belgian musicians. The day will require plenty of personal engagement by the students, team working and a willingness to be open and responsive to new ideas.

"The day's work will lead to a gig in the evening at Base Studios in Stourbridge. All the workshop bands will perform live along side our European bands and there will be a number of support slots. This gig will also be broadcast live on the web."

Mr Mallinson added: "Our vision is to bring young musicians together from the European Union to learn skills, culture and composition from each other.

"I am delighted to say that from humble beginnings more countries have now got involved and we have some funding from the youth in action programme. This means that we can expand our experiences for our young musicians.

"It is vital that our young bands get the chances they deserve and keep the British Music scene alive. After all they are the ones which will be buying all the gear, getting on the circuit and maybe producing the next big thing."

Also up for grabs is a support slot at up-and-coming star Eliza Doolittle's gig at the River Rooms, in Stourbridge.

For more details, visit the website here, or contact Worcestershire Arts on 01905 333505 or email fred.mallinson@virgin.net.

The week's timetable of events is:

Monday 22nd February: Rock Event at Subside Bar, Birmingham, 9pm – 11pm (Age restrictions apply – Sixth form students only)

Wednesday 24th February: Rock Workshop at Base Studios, Stourbridge. All day workshop with live performance at 7pm – 10pm.

Thursday 25th February: Support slots for Eliza Doolittle gig, at The River Rooms, Stourbridge, 7pm – 10pm. Broadcast live on internet.

Saturday 27th February: Rock Event at Reverb music store, 89 Old Snow Hill, Birmingham, 2pm – 5pm.