FAMILIES tried out new skills as the best of the town’s youth organisations were showcased.

On Sunday, hundreds of people flocked to Andover town centre to get involved with A-Fest, the town’s youth festival, as it returned for 2019.

Throughout the day there was a host of activities for young and old to try their hand at, from tennis to boxing, and biking to first aid, with a footfall of more than 3,000 on the high street.

The stage also provided plenty of entertainment as local performers such as Alex Krupa and Lucy Sumner played to the crowds.

Dance and drama troops throughout the town put on a series of shows on and off the stage, with crowds entertained by ISA Dance, Shimique Bellydancers, and Andover and District Mencap’s Brilliant Drama Group, to name a few.

Event organiser Katherine Bird said: “It was a really great event, the high street was full — it was better than it was in the past.

“A number of people commented how many more families were getting involved, many in the sporting activities, having a go at different sports that they may have not tried before.

“New links were created by organisations and they got new business out of it.”

Mencap and the Able Foundation also highlighted their organisations, with both charities collecting donations to help continue their work.

The family-fun festival, hosted by Andover Town Council, also included a visit from the Bus of Hope, games, and interactive performances by Brymore Productions

Started in 2015 by the Andover Youth Council, A-Fest aims to highlight the offerings of youth provision in the town for children aged five to 18.

Mrs Bird added her thanks to everyone who took part in the festival and made it possible.