THREE talented Inverclyde musicians have been unveiled as the opening act on a line-up of top local acts at an annual fund-raising event. 

Greenock Cricket Club are hoping for a big crowd at their 'Gig on the Green' festival this year to help keep the doors open.

Opening Gig on the Green this year will be high school musicians Stage Band, fresh from playing on a school trip to Italy, followed by a line-up showcasing plenty of top local performers.

President Charlie Loftus, along with the organising committee, hopes to give up-and-coming bands the chance to play in their annual fundraiser.

Every year the west end club holds the party in a bid to keep the clubhouse running and to continue to offer the community a venue for sports events.

Stage Band at Gig on the GreenStage Band at Gig on the Green (Image: George Munro)

Charlie said: "Gig on the Green has always been about giving bands the chance to play to a crowd. It is a really important fundraiser for the club and it has been running for 21 years.

"Like all clubs, we are really struggling to keep the clubhouse open, especially since Covid.

"We used to be open every day of the week but not any more.

"The clubhouse is the main source of income for Greenock Cricket Club. We pride ourselves in supporting the community and offering our facilities.

"Some of the local schools use our fields for their sports day. We offer the club for charity events like for the Ardgowan Hospice, and recently another great group, FUNdraising Inverclyde.

"It is really important to us to do this."

The Stage Band line up includes Notre Dame pupils Louis Bozzelli (S6) Lucy McLean (S4) and Ben Mullen (S5).

Louis said: "We are looking forward to playing Gig in the Green. It is a great opportunity for us to play to another crowd.

"We are just back from playing on a school trip to Italy."

They are one of 17 acts lined up for Gig on the Green in the Greenock Cricket Club, taking place on Sunday September 8, from 12.30 pm to 8pm, with a DJ kicking it all off.

The bill also includes Becky Deveny, Nobody's Hero, Matthew Barrie, the local Rock Choir, Holly Burns, Sinsheimers and Sonic Void.

Greenock Cricket Club also runs a number of programmes to encourage the sport at grassroots level.

They have helped bring a number of youngsters who have settled here, including refugees.

Charlie added: "We are a very diverse and inclusive club. We have youngsters of all nationalities playing in our teams."

Tickets are priced £7.50 from the Greenock Cricket Club bar in the run-up to the gig and £10 at the gate on the day.

Find out more at facebook.com/GlenparkGigontheGreen.