A NOISY kaleidoscope of colour will open this year's music and arts youth festival in North Yorkshire.

Young people from all over the county have been helping organisers prepare for the huge event at John Fisher Catholic High School, Harrogate, next Thursday and Friday.

It will begin with a carnival and costume designers have been working with young people to get ready for the spectacular.

Organiser Charlie Toothill said: "As well as making costumes, the young people, who are aged 13 to 19, have been learning dance routines for the event involving the Red Triangle Drama Group and the North Yorkshire Dance Company."

Student Laura Schofield was one of many young people who turned up at Ripon College to help make the costumes.

The 18-year-old said: "It was really good fun making the costumes and I have also learnt quite a lot about another religion and carnival itself."

The festival will feature workshops in samba drumming, steel pans and salsa dancing. There will also be the chance to experience street dance, drama and music technology.

A main stage will showcase the talents of home-grown bands and individual musicians including artists signed to the county council's own record label, 6K.

Other areas will be devoted to drama and film, while a roaming band of performers will entice young people to join their street theatre.

Skateboard fans will be given the chance to hone their skills on the largest mobile skate park in North Yorkshire.

The fun continues well into the evening with a packed programme of entertainment including a musical showcase, theatre, workshops and an open mic tent.

Tickets cost £5 and can be pre-booked. For more information, contact the festival box office on (01609) 532170.