A WINCHESTER festival is set to support three local charities and run creative workshops for young people.

BoomTown, which will be held at Matterley Bowl just outside Owslebury, in August (7-10), closed applications for charity partnerships in March and has now announced the chosen three.

They are The Joe Glover Trust, a children’s cancer charity, Street Reach Winchester, which works with disadvantaged young people, and Winchester and District Young Carers, which supports young carers aged eight to 17.

The festival will also be working with young people in Winchester, with a weekend of workshops at the Discovery Centre, in Jewry Street, from May 27 to 28.

Called KidzTown, the scheme is partially funded by the Arts Council and has joined forces with Circolombia, Emergency Exit Arts and Fluidity Freerun.

It will also involve previous partner charities, including Naomi House and Jacksplace children’s hospices and Blue Apple Dance.

The free workshops will culminate in a carnival procession to be showcased at BoomTown on August 10.

BoomTown directors said: “It means so much to be in a position to be able to support those from the local community that need it the most, as well as provide some exciting skills workshops for local children to engage with.

“With these new charity partners for 2014 we see just how vital their work is for many of Hampshire’s young people and we feel privileged to be in a position where we can help them continue their incredible work.”

Jackie Porter, chair of trustees at Street Reach Winchester, said: “The event will be enjoyed by thousands of young people from all across the country, so it is great that a charity working with young people in Winchester will benefit in return.”

For more information about KidzTown or partner charities go to boomtownfair.co.uk.