With less than three weeks to go until a community festival takes to the streets of a South Norfolk town, young volunteers have been busy launching the event.

Diss Mercury: The DissFest young associates out and about in Diss for the launch of this year's festival. picture:Danni DavisThe DissFest young associates out and about in Diss for the launch of this year's festival. picture:Danni Davis (Image: Archant)

Organised by Diss-based Unit Twenty Three, DissFest which will take place from Friday to Sunday, July 21-23, will feature a variety of arts workshops, live music and theatre performances in and around Diss.

On Saturday, July 1, young associates were out and about in the market town, handing out flyers, balloons, badges and answering questions about the festival.

And singer songwriter Rafa Mendes-Browne entertained passers-by with his eclectic style of music and will be just one of many live music acts who will be performing over the festival weekend.

Kayt Button, operations manager at Unit Twenty Three, said 'the launch was really good and was really well received.

'There's been a good amount of interest and we've had lots of people trying to find out more about the festival.'

DissFest will kick off on the Friday night with an evening of cabaret, comedy, music and an improvised theatre show in Park Road.

Other events over the weekend include live music, stand-up comedy and theatre performances and workshops.

Over the past year or so, Unit Twenty Three has been working alongside schools, drama groups and youth cafes.

As a result, this year's event will involve not just young people in Diss but those from the surrounding area too.

The launch was also an opportunity for the festival to announce two further opportunities for the community to become involved.

The first, a photography competition which challenges entrants to capture the people and wildlife in Diss and the surrounding areas.

Event organisers are also sending out a call for members of the community to submit examples of creative writing which will be read out at Diss library over the weekend by local actors.

For more information on DissFest, including the line-up, competition details or how to volunteer over the weekend, email info@unittwentythree.co.uk or visit www.dissfest.uk