Talented young musicians across Croydon have a unique opportunity to share the bill with chart-topping icons at a music festival less than a week away.

The Ends festival kicks off in Lloyd Park on May 30, bringing headline artists Nas, Wizkid and Damien Marley to the borough.

The Future stage will showcase Croydon's best talent, featuring 22 acts between 14-25 who live, work or study locally, representing a range of genres, from grime and dancehall to strings and brass.

Tricey R, singer, songwriter and producer from Croydon, who will be performing on the Future Stage on Friday, said: “I’m super-excited to be performing at this amazing event among some of the biggest names in music – it’s such a fantastic opportunity for an artist like myself.”

Developed by the council in partnership with event organisers Metropolis Music, the Future stage will feature seven acts on Friday and Saturday, and eight on Sunday, each for a 20-minute slot in between main stage artists.

Artists were found through a council call-out and some were asked to audition at The Front Room before a panel of industry professionals and council representatives.

All those performing will be invited to a post-festival workshop with Metropolis Music for advice and guidance on next steps in working in the industry.

South London rapper Che Lingo, who is performing on the Ends and Friends Stage, said: “It's paramount to have spaces that are geared to create opportunities like this for young, up and coming artists.

"I can definitely say without the youth club studios, local festivals and council talent shows, I would’ve had a lot less places (if any at all) to develop my talent and hone my performance ability in its earliest form.

"These kinds of opportunities were some of the first moments I felt comfortable chasing my dream and being encouraged to do so outside of my home in a setting catered to being an artist.

"In other words, the first time I could genuinely say I felt I had a true stake in the game.”

Look out for The Ends pop-up Box Office opening at Box Park Croydon this weekend.

The shop will be selling discounted festival tickets and staff will be available to answer any questions around the festival plans.