A unique virtual arts festival offers young performers and artists across Hastings and Rother an opportunity to showcase their talents.

With theatres closed and many students at home, artists and teachers across the area are coming together to organise an incredible arts festival for young people.

The project, Spirit of Youth, will be a collection of drama, dance, art, music and original writing inspired by Shakespeare and created by young people in Hastings and Rother.

Spirit of Youth will run through the summer. Young people are asked to film themselves acting, singing, dancing or to photograph their own visual art, inspired in some way by Shakespeare’s themes or stories. This will be collected and exhibited online in a grand showcase. The deadline for submissions is August 31st for the festival in September.

The festival, organised by Headspin Creative Learning, is supported by HRAEN, Artswork, Hastings Opportunity Area and the RSC.

It’s an ideal way to celebrate the creativity and talent of our youth and demonstrate their resilience and imagination.

The festival is free to anyone aged 25 and under. Anyone interested in taking part can visit https://www.headspincreative.com/ for ideas and submission information.