Plays, music, cabaret, circus performances and dance will pack out venues across Kingston for the 2011 International Youth Arts Festival.

Now in its third year, the festival, organised by Creative Youth, has 2,000 performers from home and abroad taking part in 200 productions for people to enjoy from July 1 to 18.

New work from aspiring playwrights, directors and musicians will debut alongside festival favourites including Kingston based Circus Suburbia and theatre company Pants on Fire, who last year went from the festival, to the Edinburgh Fringe and on to Broadway.

This year’s festival, whose patrons include Tom Chambers, Matt Lucas and Sheridan Smith, will present its first short film festival organised by Kingston University students and graduates.

Award-winning actor and screenwriter Matt Lucas said: “Having spent my early years working with both the National Youth Music Theatre and the NYT, I know the value and excitement of being allowed to create and perform in the company of other like-minded young people."

Festival preseident, HRH The Earl of Wessex, will attend the gala for the musical, Spring Awakening, performed by graduates from Arts Educational Schools London.

He said: “Creative Youth provides training and mentoring opportunities so that young people can learn business skills and gain practical experience as event managers, producers, creators and innovators with a view to a successful career in and outside the arts.

“It is a real testament to all involved with Creative Youth and those who support the charity and the Festival to see how much the locally grown and nurtured talent has improved.”

Venues will include Studio 101, the Arthur Cotterell Theatre at Kingston College, Cornerhouse community arts centre and and the Rose Theatre, where the Royal Gala will be hosted on July 6.

Aniela Zaba, the festival’s artistic director, said: “I am very excited about this year’s programme and I know we are going to be showcasing some exceptionally talented youngsters who will provide oustanding entertainment for local residents and visitors to the area."