Artists from across the world have taken over Nottingham city centre on the first day of a returning festival.
Canadian artist Hayley Craw and dance company What Is Written brought the festival alive in Old Market Square on Thursday.
The UK Young Artists City Takeover is a week long event, taking place across multiple Nottingham city centre venues.
More than 250 national and international artists from 25 countries are set to perform over the next seven days with people aged 18 to 30 all performing free for the public.
The event is sponsored by Nottingham Business Improvement District (BID).
Director Richard Johal from Nottingham BID, said: “We think this event is really important, not just for the city but for the young artists themselves.
“It is important to show how diverse and supportive Nottingham is for arts and culture.
“I think it’s great to encourage events like this to help drive visitors into the city centre.”
The event is organised by charity, UK Young Artists. The national charity is in it’s 11th year, after being set up by Arts Council England.
Laura Evans, Project Director of UK Young Artists, added: “One of the main things for the artist is getting the chance to spend time with other artists.”
London based dance company What Is Written formed at university.
They performed at the launch.
A group spokesman said: “We created this (What Is Written) to express ourselves and also to speak on a political and social environment at the moment.
“It’s amazing to be a part of UKYA, they were one of the first people that supported us and gave us a platform.”
You can find the full line up and information on each artist here.
All events are free, however advance booking is recommended.
