Over 400 young musicians, dancers and actors will bring the city to life next week with their 'winter lights' performances.

The young people are all aged  between three and 18 years of age and attend City of York Council's Performing Arts Centres. They will perform a series of concerts at seven different venues across the city from Wednesday 12 December and Sunday 16 December.

Some of the concerts will take place in social settings such as youth centres and city centre streets, whereas others will take place at more prestigious venues such as the Merchant Adventurers Hall.

The concerts will include performances of youth jazz, concert bands, Big Time Big Band, guitar ensembles, a pantomime, breakdancing, rock and pop bands, string orchestra and African Dance, drumming and singing.

Donna Fox, the council's Young People's Arts officer, said: "This is the first time we have presented our festive celebrations in this way. Due to growing number of ensembles and performance groups it is not feasible to fit it all into one showcase this year. Hopefully the Winter Lights season will give our young artistes the opportunity to experience performing in some interesting venues around York, challenging them to perform a fuller programme than usual."

The Performing Arts Centres are going through an exciting period of change, and will be opening the doors to new members in the new year. It will include the expansion of the creative programme, including a circus school, in partnership with Swamp Circus from Sheffield, visual arts, carnival arts, and multi-media. 

For further details about the performing arts centres please call 01904 554660 or e-mail: pac@york.gov.uk