STUDENTS at Halesowen College have been helping to organise the Emerge Festival, putting on drama, music and dance performances inspired by the works of William Shakespeare.

A group of 12 students are signed up for the project, which will see them expand their skills and achieve a ‘Gold Arts Award’ qualification thanks to their help in planning and marketing the event.

The college is working alongside Earls High School and the Manic Arts Theatre Company on the special project which started towards the end of last year.

The family friendly festival will take place at Haden Hill House and Park, in Cradley Heath, on Saturday, April 21, with the free event open to the public.

Jessica Dalton-Leggett, project organiser from the college, said: “This is a fantastic partnership project to be part of and the students are enjoying every minute.

“They are giving up their free time to be creative and devise performances based on the work of William Shakespeare.”