THIS year’s free youth-organised Anonymous festival is set to give people a ‘real taste of Dorchester’s thriving youth culture’.

The event organisers, Dorchester Youth Extra (DYE) and West Dorset District Council, have said the festival is about more than music with a host of activities and performances taking place.

This year will be the festival’s third year and it will be taking place in Maumbury Rings on Saturday August 27.

The event will be headlined by local band Thomas and the Mock Ups following appearances at the Topluddle Martyrs Festival and the Red Flag Festival in Weymouth.

Festival-goers, both young and old, will get a chance to take part in an open mic session, try out the bungee run and bouncy castle and get creative with art and craft workshops.

There will also be local dance groups, ranging from ballet to Morris dancing.

Jude Allen, West Dorset’s cultural development officer said: “Anonymous really is a festival of youth and showcases the wide range of activities that young people enjoy.

“It’s not just music, though we have some great bands, but it’s about dance, arts and sports.

“Many people would be amazed by the wide variety of activities young people in Dorchester are involved with and I’d encourage them to come along to get a real taste of Dorchester’s thriving youth culture.”

The organisers of Anonymous have been supported by a number of organisations, particularly Dorchester Town Council, which is responsible for Maumbury Rings.

Town clerk Dennis Holmes said: “The council is always pleased to help people deliver community events and we are glad that our facilities and resources are so well used for the benefit of the people of Dorchester and the surrounding area.

“Anonymous 2011 will make a major contribution to what looks like being a memorable August bank holiday weekend in the town.”

Emma Scott, community development officer for West Dorset District Council added: “We have been looking to continually build on previous years and involve as many different groups as possible involved.

“We want to show what is out there for young people in and around Dorchester. There will be information stalls, a climbing wall, dancing, face-painting, circus skill, free running, craft stalls and much, much more.

“DYE is keen to involve everyone, but some groups may have missed out on an invitation to take part, so if you are a community organisation working with young people and are looking for a platform we’d love to hear from you.”

The festival will be held on Saturday August 27, in Maumbury Rings from 11am to 9pm. Emma Scott can be called on 01305 252204.