THE CITY Varieties Music Hall hosts a Young People's Takeover Festival during August.

The Leeds theatre has worked with young people to plan a programme of activities across the venue.

Anyone aged 11 to 17 can test their creativity and develop new skills, at a cost of £3 for each two-hour workshop.

They can have a go at contemporary dance, learn the secrets of theatrical make-up, try their hand at costume design, hone their script and song writing skills, or join a choir.

Every day of the festival will start with a free 30-minute tour of City Varieties at 10am, led by young people.

Between August 26 and 29 workshops will run 10.30am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 3.30pm.

The Tuesday morning will see Costume Design, allowing people to design an exciting costume and bring it to life using recycled materials.

Dance Snippets runs on the Tuesday morning and afternoon, allowing youngsters to choreograph an original and fun dance performance.

Theatrical Make-up and Wigs is an offer on the Wednesday morning and afternoon, transferring people into characters ranging from old people to zombies.

Otis and Akeim from Snakebox will lead a Beat-boxing and Movement workshop on the Wednesday morning, offering both physical and vocal challenges.

Page to Stage, the Thursday morning, will help young people learn to write for the stage or screen.

Glee Club runs on the Thursday afternoon, showing youngsters how movement, vocal solos and showmanship can be just as crucial as a good singing voice.

Song Writing brings the week to an end on the Friday morning, allowing youngsters to develop lyric writing and catchy hooks, culminating in a mini performance.

Call 0113 2430808 or visit cityvarieties.co.uk for further information.