A BLIND guitar player and a talented young singer who were due to perform at the Bayside Festival in Weymouth will get to play after all, thanks to the Dorset Echo.

Tim Geibell and Shannon Tracey, who are both 15, will play at Weymouth Pavilion tonight at 7.15pm as duo Starlight.

The pair were heartbroken when their slot at Bayside was axed due to the event shutting down.

Shannon’s mum Rachel then inquired to see if they could be accommodated in the Pavilion Live series of nightly concerts which have been hastily arranged at the venue to make up for the lack of live music.

Initially the request was refused, with staff explaining Pavilion Live was only for rock bands and all available slots had been booked.

But when the Echo intervened, a slot was made available.

Tim, who is from Portland , and Shannon, from Weymouth, will play an acoustic set of covers and are looking forward to entertaining the crowds.

Rachel Tracey said: “They are delighted they are able to play and it’s thanks to the Echo.

“We hope people will come and see them. It’s short notice but we hope the word gets out.”

Entry to Pavilion Live, which runs until Sunday, is just £1.

Weymouth Pavilion Manager Max Grayson said: “We wish Starlight all the best in their performance and encourage all their friends and family to come down and support them.”