TWO thousand girl guides are set to take part in an action packed girl-only festival in the New Forest this bank holiday weekend.

Wellies and Wristbands is Girlguiding’s annual festival-style camping event for Guides and members of the senior section and their leaders.

This event of music, dancing, sport and other activities will be held at Foxlease near Lyndhurst and runs from August 26-29.

Guides will be able to choose from a variety of activities such as abseiling, kayaking and zorbing.

There will also be a science section where they can put their problem solving skills to the test and they’ll be able to take centre stage during open mic sessions.

Coaches from the FA will be on site so the girls can have a kickabout with friends and develop their football skills.

There will be live music in the evening when the likes of The Voice winner Kevin Simm and X Factor band Alien Uncovered, as well as local bands, will entertain the crowd.

Becky Wilson, 18, will be attending the festival with Portishead Senior Section. She said: “Wellies and Wristbands is just one of the great opportunities offered by Girlguiding.

"It’s really important for girls to have their own space to do the things they enjoy away from the pressures of everyday life.

"At the festival we can go off with friends and choose the activities we would like to do.

"I know everyone from my group is really excited about trying loads of different activities.”

Girls will have the chance to get into football through a variety of activities including coaching, goalkeeping, refereeing, interactive games, mini matches and the Conti Warm Up Programme - the coaching programme endorsed by the FA.

For more information on how to get involved with Girlguiding: visit www.girlguiding.org.uk. and for information on women’s football and where to play visit www.TheFA.com/womens.

This summer the FA are aiming to encourage girls’ football. To pledge your support to girls’ football visit: www.TheFA.com/WeCanPlay.