YOUNG musicians will be raising the roof and helping to raise plenty of cash at an annual concert.

Almost 50 groups and individuals applied to the Dorchester Casterbridge Rotary Club to take part in the Dorchester Music Festival, which is now in its 14th year.

And on Saturday, 21 of the entries will be performing in the festival concert at St Mary's Church.

David Illingworth, festival co-ordinator, said: "The 14th Dorchester Music Festival organised by the Casterbridge Rotary Club attracted 49 entries in a wide range of classes for instrumental and vocal performers from seven to 18 years of age - many entering for the first time.

"The adjudicators - Angela Nankivell, Susan Bruce-Payne and Peter Standing - listened to all the entries over two sessions totalling seven hours."

He said the entries will be joined by musical groups from local schools and the "Casterbridge Young Musicians 2006" - flautists Charlotte Dyer, Sarah Evans and Flora Lucas.

More than 50 performers will be taking part in this celebration of young local musical talent.

Mr Illingworth said the aim of the festival was to provide young musicians with an opportunity to display their talent, encourage them in the enjoyment of music and help them to gain confidence through the experience of performing.

"All the proceeds from the festival are used to purchase musical instruments for the use of local schoolchildren, through the Dorchester Area Schools Partnership Music Service who assist the Rotary Club of Dorchester Casterbridge with this event."

He said in recent years several sets of bell plates, which are easier to use than hand bells, have been provided for use.

Tickets for the concert, which starts at 7pm in the church in Edward Road, are available in advance from Dorchester Tourist Information Centre or at the door, priced £5. All are welcome.