Banbury theatre company announces 'Tell Your Story Festival' will take place this spring

The event, supported by Oxfordshire Community Foundation, Cherwell District Council and the Ragdoll Foundation, was originally slated for Summer 2020 and would have seen young people taking over Banbury town centre with street theatre, comedy, music and an array of other art forms created in collaboration with professional artists.

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the project has now been split in two with one week taking place from April 12 –17 online, and the second week taking place from May 31 – June 5 with Covid secure outdoor performances. Each week, young people can join free open rehearsal sessions, collaborating with professionals to create and stage their original work, followed by weekend showcases.

Artistic Director Tristan Jackson-Pate said: “It is really important that we run a project like this after such a tough year. This festival creates a platform for young people to have a strong voice in their community and to tell their stories, the way they want to.”

A number of local schools and community organisations have enjoyed creative workshops led by professional artists from illustrators to choreographers over recent months, both online and in person. Participants have explored a variety of art forms and experimented creatively to tell their stories, which are also showcased at the festival.

Mr Jackson-Pate added: "It's exciting to offer a blended online and face to face event for the first time. We have developed online practices throughout Covid-19 that have emboldened us to connect with our community whatever the restrictions.

"We very much hope to be outside safely with Banbury residents in June but know that our young people can share their work in a variety of ways online if this is not possible."

During the events, as well as performances to watch there will also be free workshops and talks with industry professionals that the public can engage with. The full programme will be available soon at www.cherwelltheatrecompany.co.uk.

Mr Jackson-Pate added: "We are still keen to welcome any young person with an interest in the arts to join us for these free half term opportunities. If you have a story to tell, be in through music, dance, poetry or filmmaking, we'd love you to explore it with us."

If you're aged 11+ and would like to take part, email [email protected] to find out more.