SOUTH Wirral High School is providing a taste of the Orient for its pupils and the community with a three-day Arts Festival there from July 13 to 15.

Designed to raise awareness of multi-cultural issues, the festival has become much more, says organiser John Body, a teacher at the High School.

The variety of artists taking part ranges from a Chinese chef, a Caribbean poet and a mural designer to contemporary African dance, a wealth of theatre and hands-on activities as well as performances.

Stormalong John will sing sea shanties, there'll be wood-carving demos and story-telling sessions.

"It's going to be really exciting," said John. "It's a chance to involve the community in meeting professional artists and learning new skills, as well as enriching the school curriculum.

Cash for the project, culminating in a vibrant show on the Wednesday evening, has been raised from local organisations and industry.

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