Crowds turn out to watch Halifax's young musicians

Now in its fourth year, Routes Festival, at Square Chapel’s Orangebox centre , hands the stage to young performers, aged 12-24

This year’s festival featured three stages of live music, over eight hours, which included bands, acoustic acts and DJs.

Square Chapel outreach officer Kane Rattray: “The quality of young artists performing this year has been unbelievably high.

“Calderdale has a fantastic, supportive music scene. It’s great to see young bands go out and book gigs with each other after performing at Routes.

“With the addition of the Dance Stage this year, I think this has been our biggest and best festival so far. Time to plan 2017!”

Established in 2013, the aim of the festival was to provide a platform for young musicians to showcase their talents on an open and accessible stage.

This year’s event included a wide range of musical styles – from pop to metal, dance to acoustic.

Born out of Square Chapel Centre for the Arts Write to Record project and Youth Routes, the festival brings local communities together and supports the development and creative growth of young musicians and entrepreneurs alike.

The event is part of Creative Communities, a project managed by Square Chapel and delivered in partnership with Hebden Bridge-based not-for-profit organisation Verd de gris, and Orangebox young people’s centre.

Creative Communities is supported with funding from the National Lottery through the Big Lottery Fund.