A FESTIVAL for young people festival is hoping to “go off with a bang” when it returns to the town later this month.

A-Fest is calling youth groups and organisations to come along and showcase what they have to offer to five to 18-year-olds when the event is held in Andover town centre on Sunday, 29 April from 11am to 3pm.

Things to expect include fairground rides, children’s entertainers and a theatre show, arts and crafts, an open mic corner and storytelling.

Music will be playing throughout the day, however the main stage will not return this year.

Andover town mayor, Councillor Katherine Bird said: “There are so many opportunities in and around Andover for young people and we are delighted to be putting the spotlight on the amazing organisations that support young people in our town.

“In previous years there has been more and more focus on the music. This year we wanted to rebalance it and celebrate the range of things on offer for young people in Andover.”

Organisations with stalls on the day include The Artroom, YMCA, King Arthur’s Hall, The Junction, Martial Arts World, Andover Trees United and more.

Funds raised will go to support Andover and District Mencap and The Abel Foundation.

The family-friendly festival was set up in 2015 under the initiative of Andover Youth Council working with Andover Town Council.

Andover Youth Council is made up of elected 14 to 17-year-olds who look at projects to be involved in the community and its future, with an annual budget of £1,000.

Andover Youth Council chief executive Callum McGuire said: “Andover Youth Council is proud that A-Fest is back again this year and we can’t wait to see the great atmosphere and the great stalls that A-Fest has to offer. We hope that this will go off with a bang and young people enjoy themselves.

“A-Fest was created by Andover youth town council, after we put out our ‘Have your say survey’ to the young people of Andover and the top thing young people had decided they would like was a festival. That’s what we created and it’s staying strong and hope it continues for years to come.”