THE hugely popular Pilot Music Night returns for its Autumn/Winter season in September with a programme featuring local talent.

It kicks off on Wednesday, September 20 with a headline ‘acoustic’ set by Melksham band Hell Death Fury, who will perform their usual high energy fusion of ska, punk, rock and reggae.

From 8pm, the stage will be available for Open Mic sessions to anyone brave

enough to perform. They are promoted by Mel Austin, who provided the sound at Shaw School and Shaw and Whitley fetes during the summer.

Mr Austin supports young local talent with songwriting, performing and recording, via his music studio in Beanacre.

Among those performing on September 20 are regular teenage talents Courtney Buchanan, fresh from her A level success, and Melissa Gould, after her triumph at Party In The Park and the completion of her debut album, which might be on sale on the evening.

They will be joined by an occasional return from Heather Kerr, who has also just completed her A levels and will be taking up her music studies at BIM in

Bristol.

Another returner will be 16-year-old Izzy Felstead, a Teenstar finalist like

Courtney, who is back after two years in Spain to start a music course at

Wiltshire College in Chippenham. They will all be joined also by local band Blue Rose, who performed at Shaw village fete in the summer.

Mel said: “Anybody may turn up and book a slot during the evening - it is free and all PA equipment, including DI boxes and a keyboard amp, is provided and mixed by Melodious Music/ mobsta promotions.”

The Pilot Music Night is held on the third Wednesday of every month from 8pom to 10.30pm at The Pilot public house at Bowerhill, Melksham. Entry is free and meals are served until 8.30pm.