September looks set to be a busy time for the Council’s youth arts services with County Youth Arts and Notts Performing Arts joining forces to form a single exciting arts offer for Nottinghamshire’s young people.

The new combined service offers more possibilities for young people – bringing together a wider range of creative and performance arts opportunities.

County Youth Arts develops and delivers arts projects with young people aged 13 to 19, running a dynamic programme of activities and events throughout the year. These include Sunbrella, TOLfest, PLUG gigs, as well as a vibrant urban music project, street dance, rock school and a drama week, plus the annual Showcase events.

Notts Performing Arts offers high quality arts opportunities for young people aged between 7 and 19, who want to develop their skills in performing arts such as dance, music and drama. There are four popular Saturday performing arts centres, six county performing arts companies and the annual Christmas concert.

As part of a performing arts company, young people will have the chance to hone their skills and perform regularly, with the opportunities to study further or consider a future in the performing arts industry.

Coun Liz Plant, Nottinghamshire County Council’s Vice chair for Children and Young People’s Services said: “Participating in arts activities is an excellent way for young people to develop skills, build confidence and self-esteem and make friends. It also provides them with fantastic opportunities to develop their talents, produce and create a range of performance pieces – singing, dance, drama, mime, music, comedy, film and even juggling – in front of a variety of audiences.

“Bringing these teams together into a single service will allow all young people across Nottinghamshire to have the opportunity to get involved in a creative or performance activity of their choice. We may discover some future stars in our midst.”

September sees the start of the four Saturday performance centres, offering young people the chance to take part in music, drama and dance workshops, working towards a performance at the end of term.

September also sees a number of activities taking place at The Old Library in Mansfield.

· The Old Library. Open access projects of music and dance begin, leading to high profile performances. Find out more at www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/countyyoutharts

· Plug gig: young people’s promoter group to put on up-and-coming music showcase at The Old Library

· Unanima. The Old Library in Mansfield plays host to a new theatre company for young people and adults with disabilities. Find out more at www.unanima-theatre.co.uk

For further information about Notts Performing Arts and the Saturday centres, go to www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/performingarts