Aberdeen International Youth Festival gets under way

Groups from more than 20 countries are taking part in the festival

The annual Aberdeen International Youth Festival - featuring music, dance and theatre - is getting under way.

The 11-day 2010 AIYF - featuring groups from more than 20 countries - runs from Wednesday until Saturday 7 August.

Russia, South Africa, Canada and Trinidad are among the various nations taking part in the event's 38th year.

AIYF chief executive Stewart Aitken said it was not just about the performances but also the "sharing of cultures and experience".