DANCE workshops, DJ sessions and crafts are among the attractions at a youth arts festival next month (July).

The first ever YOUfest, for teenagers aged 13 to 18 and living in County Durham, takes place in Barnard Castle on Saturday and Sunday, July 12 and 13, at Teesdale School, Teesdale Leisure Centre and the TCR Hub.

The pilot project, supported with funding from Teesdale Action Partnership, £10,900 from the Arts Council England and £3,000 from the Sir James Knott Trust, aims to introduce youngsters to a wide variety of different arts activities over the two-day event.

Workshops on offer include DJ-ing, street dance, carnival, drumming, graffiti, street music, drama and crafts.

There will also be free professional theatre shows, the opportunity to try activities available at The Hub and a youth band gig on the Saturday evening.

Overnight camping is available.

Jill Cole, project manager, said: “The weekend is going to be action-packed and will have a real festival feel.

“There will be professionally run workshops throughout the weekend and the chance to try all sorts of great activities.”

The event will also be linking with BRASS: Durham International Festival.

Young people can apply to attend as individuals or as a group.

A full weekend pass, granting access to all activities and overnight camping, costs £25 and one-day passes cost £10.

Entry into the Saturday evening gig only costs £5.

To download a booking form, visit tcrhub.co.uk.

For information, call Jill Cole on 07802-603008.