Getting creative in a digital world

Nearly 200 schoolchildren from across Essex learnt how to get creative digitally at a special festival at the University of Essex.

During the Digital, Creative and Cultural Festival, the Year 10 pupils got the chance to take part in a wide range of workshops and lectures covering everything from interactive theatre and film and digital mapping, to a mock news conference and hands-on sessions working with a professional artist.

There was also a Market Place where pupils got the chance to see various demonstrations including virtual reality research being carried out at Essex and new games apps.

The event was supported by Coast Digital and the Employment and Skills Board, who also ran some of the workshops. Other external organisations taking part included Colchester and Ipswich Museum Service, the Mercury Theatre and Teaboy Games.

The schools taking part in the festival were Clacton County High School, Manningtree High, Tendring Technology College, Cecil Jones, Thomas Lord Audley, Honywood and St Helena.

• View photos of the Festival on Flickr