IF YOU’RE looking for a fun day out for all the family then the Meopham Youth Festival could be right up your street.

The Rotary Club of Gravesend and Meopham have pulled out all the stops to bring the borough a fun packed event this month.

With marching bands, Irish dancing, sports demonstrations, dry ice skating, rock climbing, and a whole host of entertainment, this free event is not to be missed.

Vice chair of the youth committee Alan Ridgers revealed why the event is so important for young people.

Mr Ridgers said: “Recently there has been a stream of bad publicity for young people. This event will help to show that there are plenty of young responsible and talented people in the borough.

“We want lots of people, whether adults, young people, or children, to come along, get involved and enjoy the activities.”

For many years the Rotary Club of Gravesend and Meopham supported an annual youth festival held at the Woodville Halls.

But last year members from the rotary decided it was time to take up a new challenge and present a show at a different venue - and chose the great outdoors.

With the help of a £10,000 grant from Awards For All - a Lottery grants scheme for local communities - a fantastic new festival is being held at Meopham Secondary School, in Wrotham Road, Meopham on Saturday, July 26 from 12pm till 8pm.

Two performance areas will be set up, including an arena for day time activities and a stage for early evening.

Kent-based band One Day Elliott will be performing alongside five other support acts, including Gravesend guitarist Geoff Whitehorn who will be closing the show with his band Gambler.

More than 100 organisations have been contacted by the club, with at least 30 agreeing to help out so far.

Although overwhelmed by the response Mr Ridgers, of Vicarage Drive, Northfleet, is keen for more people to come forward if they would like to help out on the day.

Mr Ridgers added: “We have lots of sports activities going on and statutory organisations coming along but if anyone else would like to get involved they are all welcome.”

If you would like to help out on the day email findout@themusicfestival.co.uk

For more information visit the website listed below.

See next week’s Gravesend Messenger for a full run down of acts and activities.