Six young artists are drumming up support for a city-wide cultural festival aimed at other young people aged between 11 and 25.

The two-week-long Signal Festival, organised by the six artists, aims to cultivate art, support artists and enrich audiences across Swindon.

Starting on Monday, July 22 and ending on Saturday, August 3, the festival, supported by Swindon Borough Council and regional and national partners, offers a varied programme with all events either free or £2.

Four of the organisers, Arlo Carter, Erin Fletcher, Clarissa Boyce-Johnson and George Sargent, launched the festival at the council chamber last week with council leader Jim Robbins, cabinet member for planning and placemaking, Marina Strinkovsky, and Swindon mayor, Imtiyaz Shaikh.

More than 70 events will take place across different locations within Swindon over the two weeks, including a special workshop at the Wyvern Theatre both backstage and front of house to explore how a professional theatre operates, and exhibitions at the new Museum & Art Swindon facility at the civic offices.

Participants can also join a dance workshop run by Neon Dance’s artistic director Adrienne Hart, a BBC screenwriting masterclass with Natalie Mitchell and an open mic poetry session at Darkroom Espresso.

Ms Strinkovsky said: "I have been bowled over by the passion and creativity shown by our six young producers who have delivered a truly amazing festival for local people to enjoy.

"We have so much going on within arts and culture in Swindon and this programme shines a spotlight on some fabulous talent and opportunities.

"I would really encourage local residents to visit the Signal Festival website and browse through all the amazing events to find a workshop, performance or exhibition they can visit over the next two weeks so they see for themselves exactly what Swindon has to offer."

Mr Carter, one of the festival producers, said: "This is a chance for every young person in Swindon to try a wide range of art forms across dance, theatre, words, music, visual and digital arts.

"We’ve been working with Prime Theatre for over a year to create this amazing opportunity.

"It’s a huge Swindon partnership and a chance for us all to build creativity, confidence and pride in our town.

"Please help us to get Swindon buzzing!"

More details about the festival and its programme of events can be found on the festival website: www.signalfestival.co.uk.