SCHOOLCHILDREN are preparing to take to the stage for the My BD5 Literacy Festival.

Pupils from eight primary schools will be performing in plays such as Matilda, Romeo and Juliet and Macbeth in front of an audience made up of their families and teachers at the Kala Sangam arts centre.

Festival director Luke Broughton said the event was now in its fourth year.

Aimee Barrett, one of the organisers, helped children put the finishing touches to their performances during a dress rehearsal and said pupils had been doing a great job of tackling Shakespeare and other challenging texts.

She said: “They have done really well.

“The event aims to promote drama and work with schools to promote stagecraft as well as confidence.”

The goal of the scheme is to develop literacy skills among youngsters, including reading, writing and speaking. Organisers encourage children to explore classic and contemporary texts.

Students from Year 4 to Year 6 take part in the festival each year.