Youngsters promise a feast of arts and fun

youngsters are taking over the running of Oldham Coliseum . . . but it’s just for a week.

The Shake It UP Festival takes place from Monday, July 22 until Saturday, July 27.

From programming all the events to budgeting, marketing and production, a group of 25 volunteers aged 14-25 have co-ordinated it all.

And they guarantee they have thought of everyone with masses of entertainment including dance, live music and stand-up comedy.

In Craft It UP there will be paint and glitter galore for children to create artwork or they can pop along to Playing UP and enjoy the adventures of canine robbers Shifty McGinty and Slippery Sam.

24:7 Theatre Festival is presenting an interactive family show.

There will also be a selection of workshops for budding thespians to hone their skills and find out more about the theatre.

The idea of taking over the theatre came from The Steering Group (TSG) which was set up in 2010.

Discussions were held last year at a conference, where it was decided the group could take over the theatre to show a young person’s perspective and to spread awareness of what young people are doing at the theatre.

Anyone under 26 can buy a wristband for £20 and come to as many events as they want.

Events must be booked in advance.

For more information, visit: www.coliseum.org.uk 

On twitter, follow: AT SIGN Shake_it_UP

for a full version read the digital edition on eChron or iChron or buy the Chronicle