HENLEY Youth Festival has launched its programme for 2013.

With a theme of “Back to the future” as it celebrates its 20th birthday, the festival will comprise a wide range of events.

Workshops co-ordinator Antonia Rolph said: “Through their schools, every child in Henley will have the chance to take part.

“Some can experience Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar through the vibrant Young Shakespeare Company and some will get involved in the Gomito Puppetry Workshop or Street Feet Dance while older students can take part in a music tech workshop and concert.There is also, of course, the popular Stonor Run made possible by Lord and Lady Camoys.”

Out of school, young people can book to try the ukulele with Naomi Vallance, go back to 1993 with a Beanie Babies workshop run by local company Create ’n’ Make or take part in new cheerleading workshops. Popular favourites such as bell boating, cricket, judo and taekwondo will also be on offer.

Co-ordinator Michaela Clarke said: “Young people and parents can book these directly. There are limited places for each one so call soon. There will also be art workshops at Henley Youth Centre for all age groups and details will be released in the next couple of weeks so keep checking the website.” Senior musicians who apply to perform at the festival proms at the Kenton Theatre will be invited to a special pre-proms workshop at the Christ Church Centre, directed by local conductor and international music examiner Chris Walker.

Musicians will prepare a performance of Elgar’s Pomp & Circumstance March No 1 (Land Of Hope And Glory).

MusicMakers (for musicians in school years 1 – 6) has been renamed junior proms and will allow the youngest singers and musicians to show off their talents.

This year also sees the return of the Thursday and Friday stages introduced last year. Young people can apply to perform in any way they like — song or dance (years 7 and above only), comedy, drama, performance poetry, magic, gym (any age) and young bands (years 8 and below).

Once all the applications have been received, the festival’s professional production team will put each evening together. Applications for performing arts need to be submitted by February 15. Entries for all competitions need to be in by March 1.

School representatives and volunteers are invited to an open meeting at King’s Arms Barn on Tuesday from 7.45pm.

The festival runs from March 10 to 16. For more information, visit www.hyf.org.uk

Published 26/01/13