Young people across Bolton celebrated their talents by taking part in the national festival, Shine 2009.

The festival which took place last week (6 to 10 July) embraces the energy and enthusiasm of young people, teachers and youth workers.

Young people from Bolton had been selected to take part on Friday 10th July at the Southbank Centre in London.

Forty of the borough’s young children were involved in the Find Your Talent programme and they will join with 300 children from around the country to showcase their creativity and talents.

Young leaders from ACTIV8 at the Octagon ran a debate called Every Talent Matters to find out what other young people think is a quality cultural experience.

Young girls from Bolton Council of Mosques youth club also exhibited unique images of mosques in Bolton, with the artwork then forming part of a fascinating exhibition exploring Bolton’s history of mosques. This opens at Bolton Museum in September.

Councillor Ebrahim Adia, Executive Member for Children’s Services said: “We always knew we had many talented young people in Bolton and through the Find Your Talent Project we’ve seen these talents develop and grow.

“The project has captured the imagination of lots more of our young people to become engaged with cultural activities. Taking part in Shine 2009 is a great honour and I’m proud that Bolton’s young people will be showing that they are up there with the best.”

Paul Collard, Chief Executive of Creativity, Culture and Education, the new national organisation that manages Find Your Talent and Shine 2009, said: “Shine 2009 is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate the success of Find Your Talent so far. This is the first time that children and young people from all 10 pathfinders have come together to share their talents, interests and cultural experience. Share Your Talent highlights why all children must have access to high-quality cultural experiences.”