Out at the Big Bash

"It was October 1997 and I was 13 . A group of us from a local youth group were on our way to an event which happened every year at the NEC in Birmingham. It was called the Big Bash 97.

"We travelled in the youth minibus and I was amazed at the the size of the NEC. When we entered there were people everywhere and hundreds of stalls, even fair rides and a McDonalds. I enjoyed a burger there and then I went to see what was on offer.

"There were top-name hair stalls, beauty stalls, gadget stalls. Everywhere I looked there was something new.

"I had a multi-coloured extension in my hair done by Racoon hair stall. Our youth group went to watch a production in the other main hall.

"Prizes were being won such as Playstations and personal stereos. I won a make-up bag with a variety of skin products in. Two well-known pop groups were there singing and BBC presenters were there too. It was excellent.

"I couldn't believe how the event had been arranged especially aimed at young adults. The day was very interesting, people won many prizes and met many famous people. "There were even famous lookalikes such as Will Smith and Tommy Lee Jones. I couldn't believe all of the stalls. Competitions were being held, makeovers were being done and people were having fun.

"The Big Bash 97 was a day to remember for the rest of your life and something you could share with your children and a generation to come. I learned many things that day and it was an experience I'll never forget!