ORGANISERS have revealed who will appear at Darwen Youth Festival this year.

The event, which is organised by youngsters, is returning to the town on Saturday, July 22.

Organised by the Knott Street Youth Club, it is the second year the festival has taken place.

This year will feature 13-year-old singer songwriter Tom ‘Mouse’ Smith.

Tom hit the headlines earlier this year after writing an open letter to Simon Cowell declining to an offer to appear on Britain’s Got Talent.

In it he said: “Dear Simon and BGT.

“Thanks for all the phone calls and invitation to your TV talent show.

“Sorry if my first answer wasn’t clear enough but I don’t want to be in this competition.”

He will also play Kendal Calling and the Portmeirion based Festival Number six.

It will also feature The Illicit, singer Faith Holden, the Trinity Morris Dancers from Darwen, and Prime Tempo.

Darwen Youth Festival, which is being held at the youth club, was staged for the first time in the town last year and the profits were put towards a defibrillator for the town centre in memory of teenager Sky Nicol.

The former Darwen Vale High School pupil died last year after taking a lethal mixture of class A drugs.

Blackburn with Darwen Council’s Young Peoples’ Services team is supporting the event which is free to enter and will run from 11am to 4pm.

There will also be a climbing wall, zorbing, arts and crafts and face painting.

Damian Talbot, executive member for culture, leisure and young people at Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, Councillor, said: “It’s fantastic that we have so many dedicated young people who are willing to give up their time to do something for others.

“Young people are often unfairly dismissed but the festival is testament to what they can achieve when they are given the opportunity.

“I urge as many people as possible to come out and support them.”

Last year’s event was co-ordinated by teenager Ellie Walsh, who is a member of the Blackburn with Darwen Youth Forum.

Cllr Roy Davies, who covers the Sudell ward, said: “It’s great that young people have taken the initiative on this.”