A COMMUNITY music project has launched with an event at The Arc, Winchester.

Sound Winchester saw a range of local musicians take centre stage, with more than 500 people attending the showcase of music, poetry and dance.

 The event was opened by the deputy mayor, Cllr Russell Gordon-Smith, and a performance by Swan Samba. The band then did a second performance outside in Jewry Street.

READ MORE: Sound Winchester launch event to showcase city's performers at The Arc

The founder of Swan Samba and Roynon Music, Gary Munday said: “Swan Samba is all about using the power of music to bring people together and improve mental and physical health.

Hampshire Chronicle: Swan Samba performing outside The ArcSwan Samba performing outside The Arc (Image: Sound Winchester)

“So being asked to open for the Sound Winchester launch was an absolute privilege and delight and is in line with our core aims!”

Other performances included ones from the Amazing Fusion Choir and the Winchester Ukrainian Cultural Association.

There were also readings from the Winchester Poetry Festival groups, Platform Poetry, and Winchester Muse, as well as jam sessions by the Winnall Rock School and the Winchester Uke Jam.

In the Learning and Tower rooms, attendees could see demos and talks, ranging from fiddle playing with Rich Turner to a sound immersion experience with Sound Therapy Hampshire.

The event serves as a precursor to the first Winchester Community Music Festival, which will take place on June 21 as part of Make Music Day - an international day of music-making celebrated in 125 countries.

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Sound Winchester is being spearheaded by Winnall Rock School.

Hampshire Chronicle: Attendees take part in a ceilidh Attendees take part in a ceilidh (Image: Sound Winchester)

Project coordinator Peter Brown said: “Our aim is to enable Winchester to fully embrace ‘Make Music Day’ on June 21. So, whether you are at a school, office, shop, home, on the street or in an open space, you are encouraged to devise a small performance, write a song of your own or create an opportunity to just make music with others.

“All ideas are welcome so there can be an activity for everyone to witness or be part of.”