Nearly 1,500 young carers took a break 20 years ago when Fairthorne Manor in Curdridge played host to the world’s biggest festival of young carers.

The youngsters, who spent much of their time looking after disabled or seriously ill family members, gathered to rest from their responsibilities and enjoy a host of activities including canoeing, aerial runway and dance workshops at the fifth annual event.

A total of 65 groups from Southampton, Winchester, Eastleigh and Fareham, Gosport and elsewhere, were treated to a climbing wall, abseiling, Burma bridge, DJ workshops, karaoke, fireworks and songs around a campfire.

(Image: Echo)

The centre’s sports hall was full of inflatables and a hair salon, nail bar and make-up tent also proved popular.

But the weekend of fun also had a serious message.

(Image: Echo)

Fareham and Gosport Young Carers also performed a play to highlight the plight of young carers.

But for many of them, it was simply an action-packed weekend of fun