COLLEGE presents the opportunity for students to discover what their passions are and to start on the road to fulfill their dreams.

That’s why it is nice to see RivFest at Priestley College again for its second year, bigger and better.

For River Reeves, the Viola Beach guitarist, it was here that he completed his studies and caught the acting bug.

Now, in his memory, a huge number of bands will be coming down to the campus to put on a fine show on behalf of the River Reeves Foundation set up in his name.

This however, should be a day for everyone.

Because such was the grief for the families when River, his Viola Beach bandmates and manager Craig Tarry died that it was shared with friends and well wishers from near and far, way beyond the town’s boundaries.

RivFest is a fitting way to celebrate one of River’s many passions, while giving his peers an opportunity to perform in front of hundreds of people.

For some of the acts it will be inspiring to share a stage with the likes of Billy Bragg and Maximo Park, who all know how hard you need to work to succeed in music.

It is important to create something positive from something devastating.

It is unfortunate that the festival, the second major music festival this year in Warrington, happens after the town missed out on being shortlisted for Capital of Culture.

But it is important that the town continues to do what is best for the music scene, which currently has limited opportunities for young people to be involved.

This makes both Warrington Music Festival and RivFest so important, and why they must be supported.

Viola Beach and the journey they undertook will always be remembered.

They are the first band from town to bag a number one album.

But their legacy may end up being something much more, as they encourage more young people to pick up an instrument or start a band.

Many of these have been making their debut through the relaunched Friars Live events, which was directly linked to the band and the fundraising that occurred after the terrible loss.

Wouldn’t it be great if the second band from the town to bag a number one album spot was in part inspired by the excitement Kris, Jack, Tom, River and Craig was creating, or the energy in the sold out Parr Hall when a celebration in their name was sold out, a matter of weeks after their terrible loss?

There is plenty to be excited about when it comes to music in Warrington, and that is down to the hard work of all the bands and artists who put much of their own blood, sweat and money into what they enjoy.

From Slydigs playing across the world to Psyblings having their track played to 10,000 people at Warrington Wolves’ home games.

Even the winner of The Voice, Mo Adeniran, grew up in Warrington.

There has never been so many reasons to get involved.

It doesn’t matter if you’re playing or standing at the bar watching, be a part of it.

For tickets or more information visit riverreevesfoundation.org/rivfest-2017