The Lancashire Music Association has been launched to help develop the county's professional music industry.

The initiative was unveiled at the county's first-ever music summit, attended by 200 delegates.

The event, hosted by the University of Central Lancashire at its 53 Degrees venue, focused on the future of Lancashire's music industry, its development, and enhancing the county's profile as a music hub.

Tony Rigg, who set up the MA Music Industry Management Programme at UCLan, said: "Lancashire is a fantastic place for music but we need to make sure people know just how good it is.

"The Lancashire Music Association will bring the people together to work on doing what is needed to support the development of the county’s music industry."

“It is difficult when you are first starting out to know what to do.

"Working with our strategic partners such as Lancashire Music Service and Arts Lancashire, the Lancashire Music Association will be there to offer support and advice on how to move things forward.”

The summit also featured industry experts including Ann Harrison, author of 'Music: The Business', and representatives from national industry organisations such as PRS for Music, the Nighttime Industries Association, the Music Venue Trust, and Skiddle.

Tim Rogers, head of Lancashire Music Service, said: "We work with Lancashire's young music makers on a daily basis, so we get to see first-hand the amazing musical talent in the county.

"It's great for Lancashire to have a summit like this that brings into sharp focus the prospect of real music-related careers in the county."

Anyone interested in learning more about the Lancashire Music Association can contact Tony Rigg at trigg@uclan.ac.uk or visit www.lancashiremusic.org to express an interest in joining the association.