A 13-year-old music artist from Chichester is set to headline a Christmas show in Worthing, forming part of a new initiative to give opening slots at venues to under 18s.

Lana Lanigan, from Chichester, plays original and cover songs on an acoustic guitar at just 13-years-old. For the last year, she has been attending sessions at ‘START ME UP!’, an open-mic venue in Southgate.

Led by Chris Simmons, Lana’s parents say the organisation has helped her confidence grow and supported her musical journey.

On October 20, Chris announced that Lana would be headlining his Christmas show in Worthing on December 19, forming part of his START ME UP! Young Opener Initiative.

Lana Lanigan, from Chichester, plays original and cover songs on an acoustic guitar at just 13-years-old. For the last year, she has been attending sessions at ‘START ME UP!’, an open-mic venue in Southgate. Photo: Lana Lanigan.

placeholder image — Lana Lanigan, from Chichester, plays original and cover songs on an acoustic guitar at just 13-years-old. For the last year, she has been attending sessions at ‘START ME UP!’, an open-mic venue in Southgate. Photo: Lana Lanigan.

START ME UP! is reaching out to artists, promoters and venues across Sussex to give opening slots at music shows to under 18s, allowing them 20-minute sets in bigger venues before the main support act goes on.

Chris, who has worked with artists including Paloma Faith, Passenger and Tom Jones, said: “13-year-old Lana is hopefully the first of many young acts to get opportunities on these bigger stages. Anyone who was at my last Worthing show will know how much she deserves it and her progress since has been staggering. She has already developed into a really exciting young artist – great voice, great songs and I’m excited to see what’s next for her.”