A NEW weekend performing arts academy based at Harraby Community Campus is inviting locals to get creative at its free launch event next year.

The academy, which launches February 4, 2024, will be offering a range of classes every Sunday for children and young adults aged between 4-18 years old.

The academy's foundation comes from the vision of actor Pauline Quirke, star of the sitcom Birds of a Feather.

She said: “When we opened our first Academy in 2007, our simple mission was to provide the very best in performing arts education.

News and Star: Students can learn behind the scenes skillsStudents can learn behind the scenes skills (Image: PQA Carlisle)

"We’ve grown since then, but our mission hasn’t changed. By working with people who we believe to be outstanding in their field, we aim to bring the widest, most exciting experiences to our students in an environment that is both friendly and rewarding.”

When children attend a session at PQA Carlisle, they can learn about the world of performing arts, including TV, film, comedy and drama.

With classes run by specialist teachers, children are encouraged to embrace new challenges and understand it's okay to make mistakes in the process, a spokesperson said.

News and Star: PQA members taking part in a workshopPQA members taking part in a workshop (Image: PQA Carlisle)

From performing on a West End stage and your local theatre, PQA Carlisle also offers chances to screen students’ short films and participate in masterclasses guided by industry specialists.

Under the stewardship of Principal Sam Pomeroy, PQA Carlisle aims to offer a 'safe and inclusive place for your young people to discover their strengths, grow in creativity and develop skills to grow into confident adults'.

News and Star: PQA Carlisle will offer a range of performance pursuits PQA Carlisle will offer a range of performance pursuits (Image: PQA Carlisle)

The free event will take place at 9.45am on Sunday, February 4 at Harraby Community Campus, Edgehill Road, Carlisle.

There is a fixed monthly membership cost for regular students, with no hidden extra costs and a special sibling discount is also available. New members will also receive a complimentary t-shirt upon signing up.

 To find out more and sign up, visit: https://www.pqacademy.com/academies/carlisle/ or contact Principal Michael on 07545 830 795 or at michael.fenwick@pqacademy.com.