A NEW festival is being launched to encourage youngsters to get involved in the arts.

The Artrix Theatre's New Generation Festival is running between June 14 and July 20.

Organised as part of the relaunched Bromsgrove Festival, the NewGenFest is aiming to engage children from local schools, youth groups, dance schools, scout troops and youth theatres.

A number of Bromsgrove schools are already showing their support by organising workshops for extra-curricular students interested in performing and visual arts.

Non-school organisations that work with young people are now being encouraged to join in to ensure that there are as many youngsters involved as possible.

All participants will have the opportunity to play a full and active role and to have their contribution recognised and valued. There will be the chance to learn new skills, to develop creativity, and to take a leadership role where appropriate.

Many activities will count towards the nationally recognised arts award, which will be promoted and supported as part of the New Generation Festival.

Young people already actively involved in the arts can play their part by becoming young producers, creatives, curators and choreographers, in order to develop their own performance pieces, visual arts and exhibitions.

Funding from several foundations has been secured by the Artrix to support its activities, including its artists in residence and music workshops.

Among those supporting the Artrix is the William A Cadbury Trust, the Saintbury Trust and the David Morgan Trust.

Organisations or young people interested in finding out more or getting involved in the new festival, are asked to email outreach@artrix.co.uk or follow @NewGenFest on Twitter.