LOCAL arts group Seed has announced the launch of two new art and theatre groups in Highbridge.

A youth arts group and a youth theatre will be operating for the rest of 2021, enabling young people in the town to come together outside of a school setting, get creative, learn new skills and meet like-minded people.

Seed will work with Paul Chapman and Sharon Parkes to bring Highbridge Youth Arts into being, and with Selina Keedwell to establish Highbridge Youth Theatre.

Highbridge Youth Arts will provide an accessible and affordable opportunity for young people to take part in creative and performing dance and drama.

Taking place over two 12-week terms, the group will allow students to direct and shape creative pieces with their ideas and experiences of the Covid-19 lockdowns.

They will be supported by experienced artists and facilitators, with Chapman and Parkes having already delivered three preliminary workshops in schools, reaching 120 local children.

Highbridge Youth Theatre will consist of two separate groups - Highbridge Youth Theatre Group for six- to 11-year-olds, and Highbridge Youth Theatre Company for 12 to 18 years.

Every young person will have a chance to explore, create and find their voice through drama-based, collaborative activities.

Keedwell said: “We are really excited to work with the young people of Highbridge and the surrounding area to make original work with professional theatre companies and artists.

“Don’t worry if you’ve never done this before, or you’re struggling with confidence.

“We are here to help build your confidence and develop skills in acting, and making new plays and performances.

“We can’t wait to meet you and get started!”

Thanks to Seed, some activities are free of charge, and the most anyone will pay is £2.

All activities are open to all young people in Highbridge, and for more information on each project - or to book a place - you can visit www.seedsedgemoor.com.

Seed is a consortium of local organisations comprising Homes in Sedgemoor, Community Council for Somerset, Bridgwater Senior Citizens Forum, Somerset Film and Bridgwater Town Council, and is part of Arts Council England’s Creative People and Places programme (CPP).