TALENTED singers and bands will be given a chance to shine with the triumphant return of one of the most successful live music promoters in Essex.

Essex Rocks is set to officially relaunch, with its first gig set to take place in Harwich on Saturday.

The group, formed in 2005 by Chris Berwick and Michael Offord, started out as a social media campaign to promote the regional unsigned music scene.

After trying their hand at organising live music events, Essex Rocks soon earned a reputation as one of the most exciting promoters of unsigned music in the region.

The group twice won the Panic Award for Best Independent Promoters.

Essex Rocks took a break in 2014, but ran a series of one-off reunion concerts towards the end of 2016.

Due to popular demand the promoters officially relaunched on March 24, with a near sell-out gig at the Three Wise Monkeys, in Colchester.

The top promoters are now working in partnership with The Harwich Festival to raise the profile of unsigned bands in Harwich.

The first concert, held at the Royal Oak, in Main Road, Dovercourt, at 8pm on Saturday, will feature popular group The Landed, who headlined Wrabfest 2016.

These rising stars mix the new wave edge of The Police with Fleetwood Mac’s sense of melody.

The Landed’s track Taking You Out was made BBC Introducing track of the week by Hew Stephens on Radio 1.

Also performing at the unmissable gig will be Leyline Pass, an impressive group fresh from a standout performance at Clacton Sea and Beach Festival 2016.

Raz, who regularly perform at various venues in Colchester and Chelmsford, were finalists for Undiscovered 2016.

This was a music project delivered by a network of promoters and music venues to support new artists in Essex.

Michael Offord, of the Harwich Festival, said: “We are really excited to be working with Essex Rocks to promote live music in Harwich.

“Each of the acts in this line-up are well known on the circuit and have experience of playing to large audiences and it’s great to be able to bring them to Harwich.”

Chris Berwick, of Essex Rocks, added: “The reunion shows were so well received by bands and audiences alike that it made sense to carry things on.

“We have a number of plans for some big events later in the year and would encourage all live music fans to come along and support the live music scene.”

Advance tickets for the concert can be booked via Harwich Box Office, at Harwich Library, or by visiting harwichfestival.co.uk.