A ONE-DAY festival designed transform the image of hoody-wearing youngsters has been hailed a smash hit.

Music acts took to the stage at Dovercourt’s Park Pavilion in a Battle of the Bands contest on Saturday as part of the Harwich Hoody Festival.

Clacton performer Alfie Snogger won the title and landed himself a £150 recording studio session.

The Hoody Festival, organised by Teen Talk’s youth forum Harwich Inspired Youth Action, is in its fourth year and aims to show youngsters in a positive light.

Support worker Jodie Hall said: “We wanted to put on an event to show not everyone in a hoody is bad.

“It’s challenging the stereotype of hoodies.”

She added: “We don’t know how many people have been, but it’s been busy all day.

“The event is for all ages, with stalls, games and raffles.

“It’s gone really well and the Battle of the Bands competition has been very good.”