THOUSANDS of postcards are being sent to young people inviting them to a music and arts festival.

The event will span three days and see youngsters taking part in workshops in music, art, drama and dance.

The festival - organised by Connecting Youth Culture, the youth arm of North Yorkshire County Council's education service - will be held in the grounds of St John Fisher Catholic High School, in Harrogate, from June 30 to July 2.

Charlie Toothill, youth arts festival co-ordinator, said: "The festival is the high point of the summer for many young people and this year's promises to be the best ever.

"North Yorkshire is rural and far flung, and the event offers the ideal opportunity for young people to come together and explore their passion for music and arts."

A main stage will showcase the talents of home-grown bands, and there will be dancing and drumming workshops and performances, drama, film and street theatre performers, and the largest mobile skate park in the county.

Tickets cost £5 and can be pre-booked. For information call (01609) 523170.