Lincolnshire is in the worst 10% of areas in the country for engaging young people in positive activities. Opportunities for children and young people to participate in the arts outside of a classroom setting are often limited, and this is particularly so in a rural area such as Stamford and its surrounding towns and villages. Despite its size and popularity Riverside at its heart is a local community based project and we want to encourage local children and young people to get involved in the event through arts based activities. These competitions will enable all children between 7 - 18 years of age who live in a 20 mile radius of the festival site to take part in the three competitions. The competitions will be promoted through schools, colleges, youth organisations, voluntary and community groups and the local media. The winning entries will form part of an exhibition over the two days of the Festival so their work will be being showcased alongside professional artists. Following the festival an exhibition will also be provided in Stamford Library. To deliver these competitions we will be working in partnership with a number of statutory, voluntary and private organisations including the Library service, local arts based groups, our media partners and local businesses. The project budget includes : Capital Costs - Easels to exhibit winning entries, signage and banners £3,000 Revenue Costs - Printing and distribution of entry forms and factsheets, enlargement of winning entries for exhibitions, £2,000