Youngsters in Southampton are gearing up to host their own music festival thanks to a partnership between Southampton Forward and SoCo Music Project.

The Emerge Youth Festival reflects the views and ideas of over 200 youngsters from the city's various communities.

The free event is scheduled to happen at Hogland’s Park from noon to 6pm on September 7 and has been developed by residents aged between 11 and 18.

Southampton's youth are being encouraged to attend and revel in the variety of music sets performed by local bands, DJs and solo entertainers.

Educational workshops, craft stalls and food stands will also be on offer free of charge.

READ MORE: Music in the City returns to Southampton this weekend

Southampton Forward's aspirations for this event are far-reaching, foreseeing it as a stepping stone to potential career options for the participants.

Apart from the musical part of the festival, it also provides a platform for local independent enterprises, and sellers, an array of offerings like face painting, clothing, and handicraft stands.

Emerge Youth Festival is backed by the Arch Council England, Esme Fairbairn Foundation, Southampton City Council and GO! Southampton.

Additionally, local partners such as ZoieLogic Dance Theatre, In Focus Education and No Limits have also expressed their intent to partake.

Josh Deen, community music practitioner at SoCo Music and Emerge Project manager, said: "Through school assemblies, small group work, open music sessions and detached youth sessions, 62 young people stepped up to help co-create this free festival that showcases the emerging talent and creativity from the city."

Kate Jackman, event producer at Southampton Forward, said: "Through this process, the young people will develop skills as creative producers, practitioners and performers.

"It’s also an opportunity to give voice to our young city and allow them to explore the issues and themes that are important and relevant to them."