Festival showcase for artistic talents of city’s young people

Sheffield Children’s Festival, featuring various displays and performances, will begin next Monday and runs until Sunday, July 10.

Coun Jackie Drayton, Sheffield Council’s cabinet member for children and families, said: “This year’s Sheffield Children’s Festival is jam packed with performances, exhibitions and workshops for you and the family to get involved in.

“It’s great to see so many children getting involved and I personally can’t wait to see what Sheffield’s children have in store for us this year.”

A Steel City version of Romeo and Juliet, set in Sheffield and featuring music by Arctic Monkeys, the Human League and Joe Cocker, will be staged by the Hillsborough-based Inyerface Theatre Company on Friday, June 24, at the Library Theatre.

The following night, the theatre group will stage a repeat of last year’s sell-out “Live and Loud” show.

Young singers from schools across the city will be performing songs from artists including Led Zeppelin, David Bowie, Queen and Oasis all performed live with the backing of a live band.

Hilary Osborn, musical director and founder of Inyerface Theatre Company, said: “This is our ninth year performing at the children’s festival and this year we wanted to do something that really reflects the city.

“Romeo and Juliet – the Steel City Edition is full of typical Sheffield characters and also has some great music. The cast love it and hopefully it will help them to appreciate that Shakespeare can still be relevant and, above all, great fun.

“Our Live and Loud concerts are always a great hit with the audience. The young singers are amazing and we can guarantee a fantastic evenings entertainment for hippies and rockers of all ages.”

Festival programmes are now available from libraries, children’s play centres, shops, cafes, theatres, the Winter Garden and venues across the city or else online at the website www.sheffieldchildrensfestival.org.