'It has solidified my passion for music' - the gigs run by teenagers

"It's really solidified that I want to go into a career in the music industry and my passion for music."

Anna is living out many teenager's dreams, playing with a bunch like-minded musicians and planning their own gigs.

The 16-year-old is part of a programme called Volume Control which has been run by the OhYeah Centre for almost 20 years.

The participants, aged 14-18, embrace the jack of all trades lifestyle that comes with being in the music industry, while working on an OCN qualification in Event Management.

The group plan a range of themed music events sorting their own logistics, planning their budget, booking bands, marketing gigs, and most importantly, sell tickets.

Anna says it's a very gratifying experience.

"I'm a musician myself and I want to go into that field.

"The information that you learn is really important to go into the music industry."

BBC News NI spoke to some of the young people involved.

Jackson is the man behind the mic trying to keep things together on the night.

As MC, the 14-year-old is at the heart of the action.

"It's crazy to see 300 people in here and it just shows how many people support the type of things we put on," he said.

"It's great to see all our hard work on a stage."

Jackson found out about the scheme through a summer camp and, along with all the other participants, had to go through an interview process.

"I've definitely learnt a bit of stress management when things go wrong and how to cope with that."

Another participant, Willow, 15, said that Volume Control has given her more confidence.

"I've learnt a lot more about the local music scene than I knew before," she said.

"I've always loved music so I thought it would be really cool to be part of a group that creates a space for young people to come and enjoy music.

"It's really cool to see something that you've worked weeks on turn out to be such a big event that's enjoyed by so many."

The social aspect is important too.

Bella, 15, said it was very good to connect with people her age.

"I've been able to talk to people a lot easier and it has given me skills that I wouldn't have had before."

She said it was good to see the gig come together after planning for months.

"It's nice to be able to be trusted to plan gigs like this."

Bella gave this advice to anyone who might want to partake in a scheme like Volume Control.

"Just give it a go, you'll never know what will come of it. I was really nervous to sign up for it in the first place but I wanted to try and see what would come of it, and just try and get out of my comfort zone."

The Youth Engagement Manager of the OhYeah Centre, Chelsea Andrews said there is "a real sense of pride" to see the young people successfully run gigs.

"It can be quite difficult to run a gig and the young people are learning that. They've done a few shows and in every show, I've seen them develop."

While Andrews acts as a guide for the young people, ultimately, they have the final say when it comes to the event.

"Their confidence has been building and it seems the more shows you do the easier it gets."

The next event Volume Control is running will be on 13 March and many of the participants feel inspired to follow a career in the music industry.

"It's really the most fulfilling, wholesome thing to see these young people do something they're so passionate about," Andrews added.

"They're so full of ideas and creativity and they really love this scene; they want to see it thrive."

The youth mentorship programme is funded by the Ed Sheeran Foundation, which was launched by the global superstar last year and the Live Trust.