THE biggest music festival of its kind in the UK gave more than 1,500 young people the chance to rock out at Butserfest on Saturday. Held in the amazing setting of Queen Elizabeth County Park, south of Petersfield the one-day event, on a perfect late summer's day, gave some their first taste of a festival with more than 30 bands across three stages, plus a wealth of activities. Jhon Cosgrove compered the day. The Pickled Thick band member who has compered the show since he first attended Butser seven years ago said: "They ask me because I'm pretty good at showing off and talking and it is such a slick and polished event with so much effort and hard work poured into, that I'm really proud to do it. "With an average age of 11 to 18 Butserfest is a good gateway festival for kids and their first taste of the music scene. "It doesn't rely on alcohol and drugs and there were loads of activities, bungy climbing and lots to do. I walked around the site and looked at everything and it was awesome. Every year there is a new generation of kids turning up." For full story, see this week's Alton Herald.