MORE than 100 young singers, songwriters and musicians strutted their stuff at the Sound 06 Music Festival in Verwood.

Despite heavy rain and dark skies, more than 30 bands put on superb performances. For some, it was their first opportunity to perform in front of a large audience. And, if industry insiders are to be believed, it won't be their last.

Sound co-ordinator Tracy Cooper, of East Dorset District Council, said: "I can't tell you how impressed I am by the quality of the musicians. Some of these acts have real potential and I hope that Sound 06 has helped them one small step up their career ladders."

Organisers had their work cut out when just an hour before the gates were due to open the area was hit by a thunderstorm that destroyed the canopy of the main stage.

Although the 1500 fans passing through the gates was not as high as first hoped, festival-goers hailed the event as a "success."

The event featured performances by Capdown and Silver Sweet. There was also drum and guitar workshops plus a host of "cool things" to do, including graffiti demonstrations and lessons on how to create your own dreadlocks.

Scores of people put the Weapons of Sound workshops high on their priority list. The recycled junk band has been playing music all over the world for the past 12 years on an array of industrial waste, including gas pipes, shopping trolleys and even the kitchen sink.

Queues formed for the trampoline bungees, a mobile climbing wall and a display of creating customised clothing by Catherine Grimaldi.

New community radio station Forest FM was on hand to broadcast the event. The station's owner, Steve Saville, said: "The festival was brilliant.

"The rain held some people back but the performances were really good."