A MALPAS-based youth theatre has been chosen to create a virtual art piece for a Chester-based arts festival.

Minerva Arts' two youth theatres in Malpas are just one of five artists that have been picked to create an original piece of work for the virtual showcase from Chester Bandstand, an open air venue in Chester.

The venue had a range of arts events throughout the summer months by local artist Luke Moore and was due to start in May but had to be suspended because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Organisers decided to rework the event to take place virtually, and invited artists and composers to submit proposals for work that could be developed from the comfort of their own homes.

Hollie Wimpenny, youth theatre manager, said the art piece was a chance for the theatre members to showcase their talents.

She said: "We are the only youth group among the five artist commissions and are so excited to get started.

"It is giving the young people of Cheshire an amazing opportunity to get creative and share their talents with the community.

"Malpas and Sandbach Youth Theatres will be working collaboratively on this, which wouldn't normally happen due to the distance between them, so this is an unique opportunity for the young people to work together remotely.

"The groups are creating a multidisciplinary piece, including spoken word poetry and soundscapes.

"We hope to take audiences on a journey through the young people's response to what has bought them light in the mid of the lockdown, creating a sense of calm and inspiration."

Minerva Arts will be holding open sessions in the summer months for young people across Cheshire to get involved in drama and theatre activities while not able to participate together in person.

Links to book into these sessions will be posted on the website and for more details email youththeatre@minervaarts.com