MUSICIANS are encouraging the community to “reach out and join in” at a new monthly acoustic night.

Nick Male, of Melrose Avenue, Borehamwood, is part of the Hertsmere Acoustic Club and are inviting people interested in all genres of music to take part.

He hopes the weekly open microphone night will bring people of all ages and musical tastes together under one roof.

He said: “This event has a very open policy. Beginners or people coming back to music, or people who just want to listen are welcome.

“We want to create a space where people are appreciated not judged. This isn’t the X-Factor.”

The group were inspired to start a monthly event after an event last month drew in crowds of more than 30 people.

Mr Male, who has been part of the band for ten years, says they used to run a folk club but decided to create a night with “no labels”.

They also hope to bring in spoken word performers and satirical musicians.

Organisers want to bring entertainment to the local community whilst also keeping live music and local pubs alive but that is is primarily a “community event".

The accomplished musician lived in the area since 1954 and plays the accordion, Bodhran, an Irish drum, and sings.

He added: “It’s about encouraging people to perform in a comfortable and supported environment.

“I consider it a little victory when people decided they want to have a go. It’s about people coming back to music who want to have a go. It takes courage to do that and we respect them for having a go.”

It will take place on the last Sunday of every month at the King William IV in London Road, Shenley.

For more information, contact Nick Male by email at nick.male2@btinternet.com