Hopes skate and BMX show will attract young people

Organisers of a new BMX and skate festival hope the event will attract younger people as it kicks off this weekend.

Urban Fest is taking place in Sunderland's Sunniside Gardens on 7 and 8 September.

Sharon Appleby, of Sunderland Business Improvement District (BID) who organised the festival, said several thousand people were expected to attend each day.

The festival will feature demos by professional skateboarders and BMX display team 3Sixty will be performing a number of stunts.

It is hoped footfall from the event will help businesses in the city centre and offer young people something different to do, Ms Appleby said.

She said: "I think sometimes there's just not enough for them to do that takes place outside, that's really engaging."

The event will also include street art, food stalls, hair braiding and workshops.

Ms Appleby added she "would really hope" the festival would become regular if it was successful.

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