YOUNGSTERS from different cultures got the chance to show off their talents and mix with each other at this year's Burnley Community Festival.

Thousands of people turned out for the annual event - this year is the fifth festival - in Queen's Park today.

Burnley Community Festival - or the Reach festival as it was previously called - was introduced following the riots which rocked the town in June 2001.

It was brought in following a recommendation in the Task Force report which followed the disturbances it could be a way to improve community cohesion in the town.

And as part of the entertainment visitors were able to turn their hand to DJ-ing, improvised rap performances, drum processions and breakdancing at the Sketch Youth Village .

There were workshops giving young people the chance to try their hand at beat boxing, MC-ing, kite making, 3D artwork and screen printing.

Other attractions included two special performances by Burnley Youth Theatre; Shock Headed Peter and Binge. Shock Headed Peter combined drama, live music and puppetry, whilst Binge took a look at the prominence of alcohol in youth culture.

JagoJugglingArts provided shows featuring stilt walkers and there were cheerleading demonstrations courtesy of Burnley's own Shell's Bells.

Burnley Sports Alliance (BSA) showcased the borough's sports clubs, community groups and volunteers in a "Sport4All" extravaganza.

Burnley Council's executive member for leisure Coun Roger Frost said: "This was a great way for young people and families to not only see some first rate entertainment but also become entertainers themselves in some cases - it's what the Community Festival is all about and we were glad people took the chance to get involved and have fun on the day."

Burnley Council's strategic arts officer Helen Knowles said: "Burnley has a great deal to offer in terms of local arts and entertainment and there is no better place to see some of that talent in action than at the Community Festival."

Other activities at the festival included a climbing wall, live bands, tennis and football and donkey and fairground rides.