Youth festival will encourage new hobbies in city

Youngsters can try karate, kickboxing and boxing during the free day of events in Colchester

A festival for young people is set to encourage them to take up different hobbies and make new friends.

Colchester Youth Festival would offer opportunities to try axe throwing, gaming and art on Tuesday, organisers said.

Representatives from Essex Police and Colchester City Council hope the free event will keep youngsters enjoying "great places".

"I'm proud to see such excellent initiatives aimed at the younger generation launched in the city," deputy council leader Mark Cory said.

The line-up of activities in Colchester will kick off from 09:00 BST

Other activities on offer will be parkour, football, kickboxing and skateboarding, as well as the chance to record a song in a studio.

Events are set to run from 09:00 BST.

Mr Cory, the council's portfolio holder for resources, added: "Events such as these really do help young people find their passions and a sense of belonging, which is incredibly important.

"We hope to see many young people taking part in all the free activities being offered across the city."