A YOUTH arts festival is returning to Northallerton again next year.

After visiting Pickering in 2009 the Cultureshock festival will be staged at Stone Cross once more next July.

Connecting Youth Culture - the county council’s youth arts service -is now working with Hambleton District Council on plans for the event.

"This is excellent news for Hambleton – and for Northallerton," said arts development officer Kate Staines.

"It is testament to the strong partnership that the district council has developed with CYC over many years.

"Stone Cross is a popular venue with the young people – it has plenty to offer in terms of space as well as being easy to access for people from across the county."

The festival – which will take place from July 1 to 3 – is expected to attract around 5,000 young people.

They will take part in a wide range of activities - including samba drumming, rock school, junk sculpture, music with computers, dance, banner making, environmental art and drama.