A new monthly music show has been set up by Gloucester-born singer/songwriter Emi McDade.

‘The Limelight Sessions’ see up and coming artists from all around the UK perform acoustic sets at the Gloucester Guildhall.

The idea for the shows came after Emi – whose singing has earned praise from the likes of Nina Nesbitt and Radio 1’s Huw Stephens – wanted to try and bring more music to her home city.

“I started performing around the county when I was around 15 – sad, folky ballads on a piano!” she explained.

“Through my own performing, I've encountered so many incredible musicians. But so often tour dates don't extend beyond bigger cities such as London, Bristol and Birmingham.

“I wanted to bring some of these incredible artists to Gloucester, in a relaxed, almost living-room setting where everyone can share an intimate evening of storytelling and beautiful music together, and also really get to know the artists behind the songs.”

The sessions take place on a monthly basis, with the first held in June of this year – “we were so humbled to have Hannah Grace, Chloe Foy, and Beautiful Thing for the first show,” said Emi.

Although the event has only been going for a few months, Emi is delighted with how the public has responded to the artists on show.

She added: “We couldn't be more thrilled with how the first few shows have been received.”

“We've had Hannah Grace send shivers down spines with soaring jazzy vocals, Luke Concannon with everyone on their feet dancing and singing, John Adams with us both laughing and crying with his storytelling melodies, and so many more breathtaking moments.”

She also reserves special praise for the Guildhall, not only for being helpful on the organisational side of things, but also for providing what she describes as a “magical” arena.

“The Guildhall is a beautiful venue,” said Emi, “and they let us decorate the place with handmade beanbags, fairy lights, Limelight stickers, and everything in between!

“I couldn't be more grateful to them.”

The next Limelight Sessions will be on Friday 6th September, with The Voice’s Vince Freeman, Nuala and Dan Wilde set to perform.

Emi continued: “On Wednesday 9th October we'll be joined by Anna Tivel and Jeffrey Martin.

“And many more gems to come!”

For more information on the Limelight Sessions, visit www.facebook.com/LimelightSessions