YOUNG people from the Berkeley and Sharpness area have come together to organise a Christmas-themed event for the community next week.

The ‘Berkeley Bash’ will be held at Hamfields Leisure Centre next week with a wide variety of activities for children, stalls, Santa’s grotto as well as live bands.

Organisers hope that the event will bring the community together in the run up to Christmas and will also provide an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the young people involved.

The free event on Sunday, December 6 from 3pm to 8pm has been organised by the Berkeley Vale Youth Forum with support from World Jungle and funding from the Stroud District Youth Fund.

The earlier half of the event will include a range of free activities for children and families to enjoy, including face painting, music, cream teas, refreshments and a chance to explore a super Sensory Santa Grotto.

From 6pm a number of live bands will take to the stage, including popular local group ‘The Ones’.

Grace Barber, of Youth and Community Services, said: “The Berkeley and Sharpness Youth Forum wanted to co-produce an event that would publicise their group, recruit new members and show a positive image of young people in Berkeley and Sharpness.

“The group have all been working really hard to organise the event, which we really hope will be well supported by the whole community.

“They have come up with lots of good ideas to appeal to all age groups, with something for everyone to enjoy.”

The event is being supported by local community organisation World Jungle. It has been working closely with the youth forum over the past year.

Its director, Ben Ward, said: “This event will be a fantastic conclusion to a body of work we have been doing with young people in Berkeley and Sharpness.

“They have gained lots of valuable skills and experience through planning the event, showing what a hugely positive force they are.

“The Berkeley Bash will be a wonderful celebration of their achievements and way to bring the whole community together, young and old, in the run up to Christmas.”

For more information, contact Ben Ward at World Jungle on 01453 548880, email info@worldjungle.org.uk or visit worldjungle.org.uk