AN online youth festival of music, arts, visuals arts, photography, dance and debate will be held this weekend.

Named 'Pilgrimbury' - taking place from Friday to Sunday - aims to give young people an opportunity to be creative, make their voices heard and reduce any social isolation they may be experiencing.

Its name is a nod to the famous Glastonbury Festival and Birkenhead’s Pilgrim Street, where Wirral's Youth Matters Team is based. The free virtual event has been devised by Wirral Council’s Creative Youth Development team.

The festival will offer a weekend of workshops via Microsoft Teams, alongside films and activities hosted by a dedicated Pilgrimbury Youtube channel.

Festival goers will even get the chance to hear from successful Alumni including Lynette Howell (Producer of A Star is Born starring Bradley Cooper and Lady Gaga), who more recently produced the OSCARS.

Alongside Lynette will be Coronation Street and Emmerdale actor Paul Fox and a host of alumni who are successfully working in fields including, teaching, media and social work - to name just a few.

The line-up also includes an open mic session, dream-catcher and lantern making classes, plus a photography workshop and relaxation techniques.

There will also be 'hotseat sessions' offering inspirational chats with previous Wirral Youth Theatre members now working in Los Angeles.

Councillor Tom Usher, cabinet member for children, families and education, said: "It's been a strange few months for teenagers, with the stress of exam results and fewer opportunities to catch up with friends and make the most of the summer.

"Pilgrimbury will offer a safe environment for discovery, friendship and inspiration from each other and some past students.

"I hope the event will bring people together and celebrate the creativity and strength of young people across Wirral, particularly at this challenging time."

Young people can register for the event now using Eventbrite and will receive a festival pack including general information, alongside any materials needed to join virtual classes at home.

For more information visit @creativeyouthdevelopment on Instagram or email jamiegreer@wirral.gov.uk

For the full festival line up, click on this link: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/pilgrimbury-youth-festival-tickets-116206082521