BUXTON Festival has never had any trouble drawing the crowds. It is one of the biggest art festivals in the UK, attended by more than 35,000 people but, organisers are keen to ensure the patronage of future generations and, that means catching them young.

With this in mind event's chairman Dame Janet Smith has launched a new initiative this summer whereby anyone under the age of 30 can attend any event for just £5.

The Festival for a Fiver scheme offers young people the opportunity to see top class opera, classical music and literary speakers at an affordable price.Full price tickets for some of the bigger productions range from £37-£47.

Dame Janet Smith said: “Young people don't go to the opera, partly because it is too expensive and partly because they have never tried it before.

“It is a chicken and egg situation – you can't know whether you like something unless you have had the opportunity to try it.”

The Festival chairman said she hoped the new scheme would open doors for local youngsters and encourage them to try new art forms.

She said: “Once you develop a degree of familiarity with something, then you can really begin to enjoy it.”

With 130 events over 19 days offer there is plenty of choice, ranging from from General Sir Mike Jackson speaking about his role as head of the British Army, to Handel's Samson set in the modern day Gaza Strip, to Independent Ballet Wales' interpretation of Romeo and Juliet.

Buxton Festival's chief executive Glyn Foley said: “Love, hate, terrorism and cross-dressing are all themes in this summer's Festival operas.

“Many people tell me they hate opera and that it's irrelevant to them.

“But most haven't tried it and are unaware that it addresses very contemporary issues.”

Anyone under the age of 30 is eligible for the discount scheme and can book tickets as usual at Buxton Opera House's box office or over the telephone, but not online.

Buxton Festival's new initiative is one of a raft of schemes nationwide to encourage young people to get involved in the arts.

For a full brochure call 01298 70395.

For tickets call 0845 1272190.