Budding skate stars set to show off talent

The popular youth festival, held in Cam each year, is a chance for budding in-line skaters, BMX riders, DJs and MCs to show off their skills.

"Glastonbury eat your heart out. The sun’s out and there’s a mash up of local bands and DJs, with the chance for performers to showcase their acts," said Cllr Paul McLain, county council cabinet member for young people.

"This is brilliant work from local young people and the Youth Service.

"There’s going to be a great family day on Saturday and that’s got to be fun so get your skates on and get down to the festival."

The free event has been organised by Gloucestershire Youth Service, Cam Parish Council and young volunteers from the area and is being held at the Jubilee playing field from Thursday, July 31 – Saturday, August 2.

On Thursday and Friday from 2pm – 7pm there will be local bands, performing a diverse mix of music from metal to folk, live on stage, as well as skating and DJ mixing going on.

Saturday will be a family orientated day, with bouncy castle, arts and crafts and face painting.

Cllr Dennis Andrewartha, county councillor for Cam and Dursley, said: "I am very pleased to see this event not only back for the third year but also planned to be even bigger and better than we have seen before. "It is great to see the young people of Cam and Dursley organising and running an event to showcase some of their skills and talents. Their enthusiasm and hard work sets an example to us all."

Youth worker for Cam and Dursley, Jemma Grieve, said: "Building on the success of last year’s event, Scratch and Skate 2008 looks set to be the highlight of the summer with fun for all the family, music for all tastes and tricks for all the ramps.

"The organisers would like to thank all the people who are helping to pull this event together, especially World Jungle, who will be supplying some of the activities, Cadence Designs and The Learning Community."