A COLLECTION of "new folk and experimental" musicians involved in the forthcoming Leigh Folk Festival, have released a limited edition CD and download in aid of Southend YMCA.

A launch event of the album, titled A Place to Dwell, is to be held at Twenty One, on Friday June 22, as part of the festival, which takes place from June 21 - 24.

The whole project was co-ordinated by musician Diana Collier, (The Owl Service, Greanvine, Rif Mountain record label, Leigh Folk Festival, Ship Full of Bombs radio).

She says she "drew on the generosity of friends in the virtual community of folk and experimental music" to make the track.

Contributors to the album include renowned names in the folk world, including Alasdair Roberts, Alex Neilson and Lavinia Blackwall (Alex Rex and Trembling Bells) Sharron Krauss (for whom we have Jon Boden and Fay Hield providing backing vocals), and Nancy Wallace.

Diana explained: "All artists have generously donated the tracks - many of which are previously unreleased - at no cost, allowing all profits to go straight to Southend YMCA."

The tracks were mastered by John Hannon of Liberez at No Recording Studio.

The launch gig will take place from 7.15pm - 11pm at the Twenty One Café, at the bottom of the pier lift, Pier Approach, Western Esplanade, Southend.

Artists appearing live there will be Alasdair Roberts; Robert Sunday; Circle/Temple; M.G.Boulter and Goodnight Crow.

"It came from a desire to support the charity Southend YMCA and the extraordinary work they do" said Diana, about the reason behind the album.

The album retails at £10 for a CD and £8 for a download, and can be downloaded at southendymca.bandcamp.com

Southend YMCA is a small local charity which works with vulnerable and at risk young people. It provides supported housing for 16 to 25 year olds; mentoring and coaching to assist with personal, social and emotional difficulties, including bereavement and substance abuse; help for those out of employment; activities to improve self- confidence; first aid services for the night life of Southend and musical projects based in their music studio.