FAMILY and friends of a music-loving teenager who took his own life staged a festival in his memory.

Local bands played on two stages at the Sweatbox youth club at King Alfred's Academy East Site on Saturday.

Dylanfest was held in memory of Dylan Edwards, 15, who died on October 23 after a short battle with depression and anxiety.

Sweatbox youth worker Gary Kingett said: "It was a superb festival and about 500 people came along including Dylan's mum Annette, dad Matthew and Dylan's brothers.

"All the bands had some connection with Dylan, including Dylan's own band Shattered Compass.

"Phily Kennington, one of Sweatbox's most talented individuals – we call her the queen of Sweatbox – played a great set and there were singer-songwriters who had written songs especially for Dylan."

Mr Kingett said there was a stage in the main hall and another outside for acoustic sets.

He added: "It was a lovely festival and we would love to do it again – the atmosphere was incredible.

"Dylan was really into check shirts and hats so there were a lot of people wearing different kinds of hats."

During the day Dick Moore, of the Charlie Waller Memorial Trust, gave a talk to young people about how best to cope with depression.

Mr Kingett said proceeds from the festival would be shared between Sweatbox and the trust.

He added: "We asked for a £3 donation but people have been incredibly generous. There were 200 T-shirts with a Dylanfest logo on and they went very quickly.

"I don't know how much has been raised but it could be quite a lot.

"There were bouncy castles and lots of fun was had on the day. We will definitely have a look at doing something similar next year and it could be in the same location or perhaps in one of the local parks.

"We are already talking about how we could make it bigger and better next year.

"Dylan was one of the movers and shakers in the Sweatbox music scene so it was great to be able to remember him in this way."

Dylan's mum Annette said: "We were absolutely bowled over by the support of everyone who came along.

"It was a day of fun, and a day for remembering Dylan of course.

"Dick Moore's talk for the Charlie Waller Memorial Trust was inspirational. It got people talking about mental health in a reassuring environment.

"It was a very lovely day indeed and we felt buoyed up by it."