Ooxfordshire's artistic stars of the future will be out in force later this month.

On Tuesday, February 19, for one night only, young people from across the county will take part in The Big Umbrella.

The event, at Oxford Town Hall in St Aldate's, will see performers display their skills in an exciting and fast moving showcase.

Theatre, dance, acrobatics, street stunts and music of all kinds will be on show in a sequence of five to 10 minute pieces.

The Big Umbrella is produced by the Oxfordshire Youth Arts Partnership (OYAP) and supported by the county council's cultural services and Oxford Inspires.

OYAP Trust director Helen Le Brocq said: "Oxford Town Hall has seen many things in its time but probably nothing quite like this.

"I think people will be astonished by the creativity and diversity of the performances and artworks that will be on show.

"For the young people involved, this is also an important opportunity to show their work in a professional environment."

The evening will include the first public performances by Garsington Youth Opera and the Oxford Playhouse Youth Theatre.

The night will be hosted by the rapper MC Yungster from the Courtyard Youth Arts Centre in Bicester.

Alongside the performance, there will be a display of artworks and films in the Town Hall art gallery.

Admission is free, but wristbands allowing entry must be booked in advance on 01869 602560.

Also taking part will be a group of young people from Liverpool. They will present a short film and welcome young people from Oxfordshire to the Liverpool Capital of Culture Celebrations in December.

Performers at The Big Umbrella will have the opportunity to apply to be in the team of 15 who will go to Liverpool.

Oxford Inspires, which coordinated the county's millennium celebrations last year, is now finalising plans for a series of events in 2008 and beyond.