A FESTIVAL run by and for young people in Dorchester was declared a musical success.

The fifth annual Anonymous Festival attracted thousands of music fans to Maumbury Rings on Saturday.

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Chairman of event organisers Dorchester Youth Extra, Keiran (corr) Baker, 16, said they are hoping to attract people of all ages.

He said: “We're really going for an inter-generational theme and trying to get the message across that teenagers aren't these big scary creatures.

“There are activities to suit all ages and hopefully this is an event that is going to get even bigger and better in years to come.”

Zorbing, a graffiti workshop, stalls, food and have-a-go sessions were all on offer.

Youth worker Emma Scott said the Anonymous Festival is also about allowing youngsters to showcase their talents.

She said: “There are some really talented young performers in Dorset, but there's not always a lot of places where they can go to perform, and when they do get gigs, people often want cover songs.

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“So this is about letting them perform their own music.”

Bands and artists who played in previous years have gone on to success, she added, including getting record deals.

The event attracts youngsters from across the county.

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Friends Becki Bowley (corr) and Caitlyn Ward, both 16, said it's an ideal place to come and meet.

Becki, from Dorchester, said: “A lot of the entertainment in Dorchester seems to be aimed at young kids so it's great to know that at least one day of summer we will have something fun to do.”

Caitlyn, from Weymouth, added: “We've been coming here for a couple of years now and it's really fun. The graffiti workshop is great.”

Youngsters also got the chance to try their hand at new skills.

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Olympic-inspired Youth Acoustic and Percussion were on site to show off their rhythmic talent.

Youth project worker Jeff Andrews said: “Drummers featured a lot in the Olympic opening ceremony and that is where all this came from.

“The best part is you don't need any specialist equipment. You can literally play with a bucket and some garden canes.”

A team from Poole-based company Maverick Slacklines brought an extreme edge to the festival.

Ian Jennings, of Maverick, said: “Slacklining is a balance sport, but there are so many different aspects to it.

“People are always really interested in trying it out. It makes you think about your body in a whole new way.”

UK number one in the sport Ryan Bastin (corr) was also on hand to give tuition and demonstrations.