Rising stars - and ones to watch - have been handpicked for a packed programme of performers at a festival of free music in Salcombe Regis.

BBC Radio Devon’s James Santer will be turning his talent to MCing at the Sidmouth Fringe Sessions, a ‘brilliant’ showcase of emerging talent locally and from across the UK.

He hosts the station’s Introducing show, so knows what the county has to offer – but said organiser Giles Sadler’s knowledge is second-to-none.

“It was my first year there last year and I loved it,” said James, who was brought up in Sidmouth.

“I like to think I know my music, but Giles absolutely puts me to shame. I can imagine he’s spent months on end listening to music online, which is why he handpicks only the very best.”

He said he is particularly excited about Tuesday’s indie night, when Exeter band The Sherpas will be playing, with Sidmouth’s Chris Tilke on the bass.

James is keen to see Native People and Twin Hidden, who are also playing that night, as well as the hotly-tipped MOVIE, who have been played on Radio 1.

The fringe sessions are held at McBuzz’s Barn at Salcombe Regis’ Thorn Park tomorrow (Saturday), Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

It has built on last year, when not everyone could fit inside the barn, so this year a projector will live-stream the bands on the side of the venue. The performances are also being filmed by students from Exeter and Falmouth University.

Giles had more than 200 artists to choose from for the 16 slots, which also feature London’s Chris Woods Groove, Exeter’s Jess McAllister and Wildwood Kin, and Canterbury’s CoCo and the Butterfields.

The fringe sessions were nominated in the ‘best small festival’ and ‘grass roots award’ categories of last year’s UK Festival Awards.

Full details at http://www.sidmouthfringe.co.uk/