OPERA, circus skills and street art are on offer at the second annual Bewdley Youth Festival this weekend.

The festival will showcase the young talent of Wyre Forest as well as giving young people a range of new experiences through workshops.

The programme kicks off with a showcase event on Friday at St George’s Hall, headlined by Esther Turner, at 7.30pm.

Also performing are Swallows, Ellisha Green, Ashley and Amy and Noxious Sheep.

On Saturday, an evening of operatic songs will take place at St Anne’s Church at 7.30pm.

Bewdley mezzo soprano Charlotte Ireland will be singing with fellow student Samuel Lom.

Charlotte’s interest in singing was sparked as a student at Haybridge High School and her vocal talent was recognised when she was named the Worcestershire Young Musician of the Year in 2009.

Opera became Charlotte's real passion when she appeared in a number of different roles with Opera Warwick.

Charlotte and Samuel have spent the last year working with voice coaches in Berlin and will be premiering their concert, From Monteverdi to Mozart, featuring well-known songs and arias from their favourite operas, at the festival.

The concert also features Dan Almond of the Bewdley School playing classic themes from the movies.

Workshops will be held on both Saturday and Sunday. They include cake decorating, street art, ceramic painting, circus skills, a cooking master class, rhythmic drumming and mobile phone photography.

All workshops need to be booked in advance from Bewdley Tourist Information Centre.

For more information visit bewdleyyouthfestival.org.uk