A HOST of talented musicians are getting ready to take to the stage for the first time in more than 18 months.

The SongWriters Uncovered Series autumn concert will fill the Beacon with words, music and song on Sunday.

The gig marks the first time members of the group have performed in front of a live audience since before the pandemic.

Well-known Inverclyde musician Shelagh Mackay Jones has helped to organise the event and she will also be performing on the night.

Shelagh said: "This will be our first proper concert with an audience since before the pandemic and we are so excited.

"We can't wait to get back on stage in front of people."

Joining Shelagh on the night will be Mark Philip Jones, Ray Kelly, Stephen Deatcher, Jan Harper and Ambrose Harper while Jack Law and Pauline Vallance are on standby.

Shelagh and her fellow musicians have thanked the Beacon for completely funding the spring concert and an anonymous donor for covering payments for the artists in the summer concert.

Les Wilson (in memory of the late Irene Wilson), Davy Nicol and George Carson have helped fund the September show, as have Shelagh and Mark.

Shelagh says SongWriters Uncovered is looking to attract further funding to help stage a December gig.

She added: "We want to grow our local audience here in Inverclyde and eventually reproduce the SUS model in other areas."

To find out more about the series email songwriters.uncovered.series@gmail.com

Tickets for this weekend's show can be booked online at www.beaconartscentre.co.uk/events/songwriters-uncovered-series-autumn-2021