THE first charity music festival in Warndon has been hailed a success and is set to run again next year.

The project, run by community group Engage4Life in partnership with Worcester Community Trust, raised £500 for the community by selling wristband tickets to the day of music and family fun.

Neil Silcock, one of the organisers, said: “Overall the day was a great success – except for a few of the bands dropping out on the morning – and the music, bouncy castles, bungee run, sumo wrestling and basketball was enjoyed by all.

“The team worked excellently and were flawless in keeping the running times and crowds happy.

“We raised £500, which is to be reinvested back into the community through working with Worcester Community Housing in garden and park projects.”

The young people working with the organisation put in more than 50 hours of work before the day, and learnt new skills including teamwork, how to budget, leadership, organisation and communication skills.

Clare Mullins, from Northwick Close, Worcester, has only worked with Engage4 Life for a few weeks, but said being part of the festival and other work at the charity organisation was a great experience.

“I found the festival great. It was lots of fun,” the 16-year-old said. “My part in the event was selling sweets and refreshments, doing the raffle at times, as well as stamping the kids’ hands to allow them on the bouncy castles.

“Engage4Life has helped me by introducing me to new people and getting me involved in the community – something I’ve never done before. It’s been a great experience getting to know everyone in my group and creating a successful event benefiting the community.”

The programme was also set up to help the community, as well as helping young people into work.

Councillor Alan Amos, city councillor for Warndon, said the project faced some problems with funding in the beginning but he felt it was worthwhile.

“I managed to get some funding for them through the Areas of Highest Need project,” he said.

“I took the chair’s action to approve it because the group of young people, while very enthusiastic, needed help cutting through the red tape and by approving a grant for them of £2,500, the highest amount we give, I helped make the event possible in the first place.”

For more information, visit engage4life.co.uk, or to get involved, contact Neil Silcock by e-mailing n.silcock@ engage4life.co.uk.