A GLOBAL music and dance weekend is coming to Colchester.

Organisers say the town is set to host a "melting pot of creativity" when the Essex Global Music and Dance festival takes place from August 19 to 21.

Drummers and dancers representing cultures ranging from Colombia to Ghana will perform at special events as part of the weekend celebration.

They will also share their talents with aspiring performers at workshops.

It being hosted by Essex County Council supported by the WOMAD Foundation, and in partnership with Colchester Institute, Colchester Arts Centre and Essex Cultural Diversity Project (ECDP).

The Essex Global Music and Dance weekend has been made possible thanks to Arts Council funding.

On Saturday August 20, people aged 18 and over will be able to sign up to workshops at Colchester Institute and Colchester Arts Centre.

At 2.30pm that day the drum beats learned will be brought to Lion Walk shopping centre to entertain passers-by.

The Arts Council funding has enabled the workshops to be available for £50 per person, which will include accommodation, meals and admission to a performance at Colchester Arts Centre that evening.

Artists will also be performing global music and dance at the Arts Centre at 7.30pm.

Tickets cost £8 or £7 for concessions.

A final showcase for family and friends will take place on Sunday afternoon.

John Spence, Essex County Council cabinet member with responsibility for Heritage, Culture and the Arts, said: “This is an incredible opportunity for musicians and dancers in Essex, who want to expand their skills and really immerse themselves in a weekend of learning from first class performers from across the globe.

"This melting pot of creativity has the potential to have great impact on young people who want to get ahead in a competitive industry.”

Tristan Clifton, Head of Music and Media at Colchester Institute added: “Essex Global Music and Dance Weekend will provide an exciting and inspiring musical and creative experience. It is a great opportunity for the community and will be a truly fantastic event celebrating international culture.

"We are very pleased to be hosting this event at Colchester Institute."

Stafford Glover, Executive Producer at Colchester Arts Centre said: "Colchester Arts Centre is thrilled to join up with WOMAD Foundation and our esteemed local partners in playing an enthusiastic part in delivering the Global Music and Dance Weekender.

"It's an amazing chance for Essex musicians to really get the benefit of the huge experience of some highly accomplished artists - a chance to build on skills and perhaps expand horizons, with the all-important opportunity to meet like-minded artists and make new friends in the process. Grab it with both hands!"

There will be limited free places available on the weekend workshops for full-time Essex students or those on benefits which will be evidenced through means testing.

To book onto the Essex Global Music and Dance Weekend workshop at Colchester Institute, visit http://creativeartslive.colchester.ac.uk/events/essex-global-music-dance-weekend-supported-womad-foundation

To book tickets to see WOMAD Foundation artists perform at Colchester Arts Centre, visit: http://www.colchesterartscentre.com/events/world-music/a-night-of-high-octane-world-sounds-cauldron-dj-mrbenn-mc-souls-liberation/