THIS year’s Boondocks Festival has got the youth of Malmesbury in mind.

The home-grown, publicly funded festival has taken steps this year to not only engage, but support youngsters in north Wiltshire.

Festival organisers have set up a scheme where local schools can sell tickets to the festival and keep £1 back from every sale they make.

The aim is to engage youngsters in the area with the festival, to tie it even closer to the community.

One of the Boondocks organisers Neil Muttock said: “When people buy their tickets through the school affiliation programme the money goes back to the school they have chosen.

“Our current focus is to get parents, kids and schools more involved and for us to share the experience with them.”

Tracey Ainsworth, chairwoman of The Friends of Malmesbury Primary, one of the schools affiliated with the program, said: “Boondocks has suddenly become one of the best-loved family events in the area so we’re delighted to be involved.

“We are hoping this initiative will encourage more of our school families to enjoy and experience all it has to offer.

“The fact that it also raises money for the Friends (of Malmesbury Primary School) to fund extra activities and equipment to enhance the school learning experience for our children is a huge, added bonus.”

Fi Picton, chairwoman of Friends of Sherston School, a school that will also benefit from the scheme said: “This is a wonderful way for a local family festival to support local schools, we know that Boondocks offers fabulous children’s activities.

“For the Friends of Sherston School every £1 counts, as we are only £1,500 off our target of £10,000 for expanding our fitness trail, so thank you Boondocks.”

Aside from helping schools raise money, the festival has been looking at ways to improve the experience for children at the festival itself.

Organisers has introduced a number of new activities and areas at the festival site tailored to make sure families can keep their little ones entertained.

The Baby Bell Tent will provide for shade and shelter for changing and feeding, or just some quiet time for youngsters, while a seven metre tall climbing wall will be in place for kids to play on and get the best view of the festival.

Neil Muttock said: “We’re proud to say we genuinely have something for all age groups at Boondocks 2016.

“If you don't yet have your tickets, then now is the perfect time to buy, with the summer term about to start.”