THE Village Green festival has teamed up with South Essex College students once again to help run stage production.

After the huge success of last year’s collaboration, Southend arts charity and Village Green organisers Metal will give students first-hand experience of producing a large scale multi-arts festival.

Angela O’Donoghue, principal and chief executive of South Essex College, said: “Our vocational courses are all about being very hands on and getting live experiences. This partnership absolutely does that and is not just a fantastic day to be involved in, but also looks great on their CV alongside their course.”

Last year, students from music production, hospitality and media courses worked extensively on the festival.

Sean McLoughlin, festival director, said: “A number of students who have volunteered at Village Green have consequently not only gone on to work with them at larger events, but have also gained employment in the field.”

The partnership will be launched in the college’s Southend Campus Atrium, today at 1pm, with a live performance by Youth Club, who will play at the festival.

Tickets for the festival, in Chalkwell Park, on July 12, cost £10 for adults and £5 for 11 to 17-year-olds. Children of ten and under go free.

Visit www.metalculture.com or call 0844 844 2920 from 9am to 6pm Monday to Friday, or from 10am to 5pm on Saturdays.