BUDDING seaside entertainers will get the chance to learn from the experts thanks to a unique training opportunity.

Seaside supremo and founder of Dawlish-based Promenade Promotions Tony Lidington has announced the social enterprise organisation has secured Arts Council England funding to support newcomers to the business. 

Founded to promote and preserve the art of British popular entertainment, Promenade Promotions has launched its Seaside Follies 2024 training programme. 

Open to 17 to 25 year olds from Devon, the scheme is a paid training opportunity specialising in family-friendly seaside entertainment, street performance and outdoor festivals. 

A spokesman said: ‘We have recently received Arts Council Funding and are now excited to announce that we are offering a free training opportunity for emerging artists interested in developing their craft as professional performers, followed by a paid outdoor performance opportunity.’

Trainees will be given the chance to develop their craft as professional performers at seasides in south Devon this summer. 

The scheme offers three weeks of intensive training in outdoor arts performance and self-employment management skills.

Trainees will then join the team out on the road performing professionally at public events in south Devon. 

Promenade Promotions will be working with partners including Dawlish Town Council, Exeter College and University of Exeter and a wide range of established street artists. 

The newcomers will be trained in various skills including clowning, walkabout, circus skills, voice work and music and puppetry.

Each trainee will have the opportunity to develop a short act, which they will then perform alongside other duties, during Prom-Prom’s summer season.