FRIENDS and family of popular teenager Max Lewis gathered to celebrate his life at a memorial festival called Maxofest in Seend over the weekend.

The event, held in the field behind his dad Brian Atkinson’s house in Baldham, was organised by his older brother Dan and a number of Max’s best friends, including childhood pal Joey Amphlett.

Preparations began in March, with the team meeting once a week to share ideas on how they could do something special for the much-loved 19-year-old, who died in a car accident last November in Forest Lane, Melksham.

The inspiration for the event came from Max’s lively personality and love of having fun. He was also known for his signature look of wearing his mum Niki Lewis’ pink polka dot dressing gown to parties, which many wore in tribute to the occasion.

Friend Aaron Challice, who was one of the organisers, said: “Creating the event was a very long and challenging process, but it was really touching to see how a community of young people could pull together to remember a person that was obviously loved a great deal.

“We spent many nights in the months leading up to the event cutting grass, chopping down trees, putting up stages and making the area suitable for hundreds of people. We really couldn’t have done it without the help and overwhelming generosity of friends and family. It is something I will remember for the rest of my life.”

Over the three days, more than 600 people of all ages turned up to enjoy live music and activities including a slip and slide and football tournament, with many camping overnight. The event was a real community affair as well, with businesses chipping in and donating food for the hog roast and equipment from lights and a bucking bronco.

Maxofest was also designed to raise money for The Honest Truth, a charity which aims to promote safe driving and reduce the number of 17-24 year olds killed on the roads. Ticket sales and donations have so far raised £8,000 but the organisers are hoping with more donations they can reach their target of £10,000.

Max's brother Dan, of Martingslade, said: “We wanted to create something suitable for everyone that knew Max, whilst raising money for a local charity who are doing a lot of good in the South West; The Honest Truth.

“The amount of effort everyone put in to achieve this shared vision was unbelievable. People of all ages came together to make this happen. The hours Max’s friends put into organisation and the hard graft was astonishing.

“Although we have yet to reach our £10,000 target from the event, everyone single person have said how they are viewing it as a success.

"We achieved so much more than just raising money and it showed this weekend. It is a credit to the team – whose average age is about 21– what they have managed to achieve.

“Thank you to everyone involved, including all the local companies and musicians who gave us so much of their time and effort.”

To donate go to: gofundme.com/maxofest