A NEW arts and culture festival inspired by the legacy of Victoria Wood is on the look out for undiscovered talents.

The New Faces project is seeking to find and develop artists and performers in Bury as part of the ongoing Happy programme ­— named after the late Prestwich comedian's hit 1970s ITV show.

It is open to people of all ages keen to improve their skills, try something new or make their dreams come true.

Participants will be given the opportunity to work with field-leading professionals to write and perform at the upcoming Happy Festival and Happy Proms later this year.

Councillor David Jones, leader of Bury Council, said: “We’re delighted to be chosen as the very first Greater Manchester Town of Culture, and to support the Happy Festival which is inspired by the legacy of Bury’s most famous daughter.

“This year will be inspiring – it will allow our residents to explore new things and have new experiences, whether in the fields of music, performing art, writing, comedy or sport. And we will look to build on this and put culture at the heart of our policies for years to come.”

The Happy Festival has been created as a major part of celebrations to mark Bury's being named the first Greater Manchester Town of Culture.

It will run from May 15 to 17 and see performances at Bury Art Museum and The Met, as well as venues across Bury town centre.

A special outdoor celebration ­— Happy Proms ­— will also take place at Burrs Country Park on July 12.

A full programme of events for the festival is set to be announced soon.

Happy further aims to foster and promote artistic talent throughout 2020 and beyond through an outreach and talent development programme.

Musicians who are just cutting their teeth or seeking a boost on the path to success are being offered an opportunity to work with and be mentored by Victoria Wood’s musical director David Firman, and Bury-based songwriter and musician Joe Nelson, to produce a new piece of music to be performed at the Happy Festival.

To take part email info@happyfestival.org by March 20.

There will also be a series of six-week courses in the genres Victoria was best known for ­— comedy, songwriting, and TV scriptwriting.

All the courses are led by industry leaders and participants will get a chance to show off their handiworks at the summer festival.

For more information or to book visit the HappyFestBury Facebook page.