Festival Hope springs eternal

3:00pm Wednesday 16th July 2008

STROUD'S got talent - and a fine selection of it will be in evidence at the Festival of Hope in Stratford Park on Saturday from 11am-5pm.

The festival is a performing arts showcase set up by the Door Youth Project, and is a spin off project from the annual Undiscovered Youth Talent Contest and bi-monthly Club Hope.

Pete Hills and the Club Hope Band will headline, with a drum and bass set from DJ Buzzin, rock from Schimata, fresh indie sounds from Kaiche, appearances from Undiscovered Youth Talent Contest winners MJ (2008) and Nathan Sykes (2007), and a whole lot more.

Event organiser Brendan Conboy said: "We do like to provide opportunities for young people to perform and have been inundated with requests from young people keen to take part and show members of the public that young people can do positive things with their lives.

"We've got a fantastic line up and I urge everyone to come down and see what this town's got to offer.

"As well as providing this showcase for young talent, The Door Youth Project run a year round music programme.

"I believe being involved in music making can boost a person's confidence and motivation and increase their potential. It has a knock on effect and people grow as a result."

The Festival of Hope is part of the Stroud Country Show, which was cancelled last year due to flooding. The event is free, but a collection will be made.

For more information about The Festival of Hope or about the Door Youth Project call 01453 756745.