A FESTIVAL of extreme sports is set to return to Thornbury for its fifth year next weekend.

Thornbury Skate Fest takes place on Saturday, June 25 at Thornbury Skate Park, and will see young people from the area battle it out on skateboards, BMX bikes and scooters for the chance to show their talent and win a range of prizes.

As well as the many competitions through the afternoon, the event, which runs from 2pm to 8pm, also includes some features with a barbeque and tuck shop as well as music and inflatables.

Hundreds of people have visited the event over the past five year, which again is being run by Thornbury StreetSpace, with support from Krunch Youth Project and Thornbury Churches Together.

In conjunction with Thornbury StreetSpace and Krunch, a user group of young people from the area have been meeting weekly to give input into plans for the future of the park and to meet with skate park designers.

Skate Fest organiser Dan Potter said: "I'm really excited that the event has hit our calendar again and am looking forward to a sunny day with big crowds!

“We've been working hard to realise young people's hopes for the skate park and seeing this event grow in popularity over the last few years has been great.

“It's amazing to see riders as young as 5 years old, girls as well as boys, all getting cheers as they ride and skate in front of the crowd.  The event showcases the abilities of these young people who don't often get an opportunity to display their skills, and it's so much fun for the family to watch even if they're not taking part!"

During the Skate Fest, which is free to enter, there will be an opportunity to contribute towards fundraising for plans to expand the skate park.

For more details on Thornbury Skate Fest visit www.thornburyskatefest.org or search Thornbury Skate Fest on Facebook.