The International Youth Arts Festival 2015 has been launched and is set celebrate the creative talents of young artists once again.

More than 100 events will be taking place from July 3 to 19 throughout Kingston with a mixture of ticketed and free events.

Surrey Comet: Puppetry, dance and drama in store as IYA festival kicks off

Kingston will be awash with yet more young talent at IYAF 2015

Now in its seventh year, the festival continues to draw on a substantial talent pool from Kingston, as well as dancers, actors, singers and musicians from around the world.

It will be the first under the management of new festival director Trevor Blackman, who has replaced Aniela Zaba after the first six years at the helm.

Surrey Comet:

New IYAF director Trevor Blackman

Mr Blackman said: "I suppose what appealed me to take this role is in the title itself, international, that reads of people coming here, gathering here in Kingston.

"The great thing when we talk about international, it’s not just about the UK, it’s also about the whole of Europe, Brazil, America and India, all coming to one place for two weeks to showcase what they can do in the creative industries."

Among the many highlights will be the Pied Piper of Hamelin, directed by National Youth Music Theatre founder Jeremy James Taylor, and Olivier award-winning hip-hop dance company Boy Blue Entertainment.

There is also a buskers vs art event, where young street artists will perform alongside visual artists in Kingston town centre.

Behind the scenes, the festival is once again being organised by a large team of dedicated young volunteers.

Volunteer co-ordinator Emma Townsend said: "It’s a great opportunity to work with a large arts festival here in Kingston and there are lots of different opportunities for volunteers to get involved.

"Even if you are not interested in art you can still come along get involved and meet new people."

International Youth Arts Festival; Various locations across Kingston; July 3 to July 19; for more information visit iyafestival.org.uk.