BUDDING musicians will be offered free instrument taster lessons as part of the first annual National Learn to Play Day at Fret Music in Shirley tomorrow.

The day will be opened by the Mayor of Southampton Cllr Terry Matthews at 9.30 am and will offer free lessons on a variety of instruments including drums, bass, guitar and harmonica, all supported by music teachers.

Instrument manufacturers will also be supporting the event with staff, instru¬ ments and special offers.

One of the shop’s customers John Ilsley from Dire Straits told Your Entertainment: "You will never be bored , if you learn to play the guitar, it can keep you amused for hours because there are always new things to be discov¬ ered."

"Even with just a handful of chords you can play along with your favourite band. Only a few will achieve greatness as in every "Walk of Life" but you become automatically a member of a very large creative community."

The nationwide event is organised by charity Music For All.