PRESTON'S hottest party, the Preston Youth 2000 festival, rocked the town last week as young people came together and joined the spirit of friendship, fun and excitement through a variety of special events.

Throughout the week people enjoyed a range of activities including historical talks, an army activity day, barbecue and rock concert hosted by Preston Rotary Club with bands from Poland, Germany and across the UK.

On Thursday (July 6), Preston College hosted a sports day featuring fabulous displays by the Olympic Ukrainian Ribbon Gymnastics Team ahead of a civic reception at the Harris Museum in the evening, hosted by Preston's Mayor, Coun Joe Hood, for the signing of the 'Scrolls of Friendship'.

The week culminated in a huge Gala Concert at the town's Charter Theatre with bands such as TKO, Hyper Jax, Feelgood Factor, Tree House 3 and Riser. Other headline acts included Poindexter, Filo Radio, Sweet Female Attitude, P-Hex, Dangerous Minds and Fusion hosted by celebrity DJ Dave Seaman.

Despite the rain, the fun never stopped as up-and-coming acts performed for the audience made up of people from Preston's European twin towns of Nimes, Almelo, Recklinghausen and Kalisz as well as Kiev and the USA.

Highlights of the event included an appearance by pop girl band TKO, who kicked-off the final day of the memorable festival.

Popular Radio one DJ, Dave Seaman, finished off a spectacular week with a dance night in the historic Flag Market.

The festival was organised by Preston Borough Council, Preston Twinning Liaison Committee, Preston College, the University of Central Lancashire and Lancashire Youth and Community Service in Preston who pooled ideas to make the mammoth event a truly unforgettable experience.

Pictured are Helen Rozhkova (left) and friends, from Kiev, enjoying the party.