Young people in York are invited to come along and enjoy the first ever Youth Festival, taking place in Rowntree Park on 23 July.
The York Youth Festival is being hosted by York Youth Council supported by City of York Council’s Communities Team and will provide a fun, safe space for young people to enjoy music, activities and free food. The event will include a range of free fun activities including axe throwing, footie kickabout, zorbing and many more.
The festival is being held following the “Make Your Mark” survey in 2024 where the Youth Council heard from over 5,000 young people in the city.
Will, a member of the Youth Council, said:
“Our survey revealed that the main priorities for young people in York are opportunities, media and culture, so our festival will help address these challenges, and we can’t wait until we hold the event!"
To help support the event the Youth Council are working with Emerging Talent to promote local young musicians and youth bands that would like to perform, with slots available for 10 and 15 minute musical sets. The event also offers local community groups free space to hold stands, run activities and host games during the event. Activities will include Zorbing, sports, inflatable axe throw, badgemaking and more.
Naomi, also a Youth Councillor, added:
“It’s going to be an amazing event for young people from around the city, giving them a space to get together and have some fun. It’s been great to see how supportive organisations and community groups have been already, and we’re grateful for the council's support via the Holiday, Activity and Food programme for providing the food and Emerging Talent for providing a valuable platform for young local musical acts.”
Cllr Bob Webb, Executive Member for Children, Young People and Education, said:
“It’s been really positive to see how passionate the young people of our city are about building strong relationships and experiencing new cultures.
"This festival will provide a great space for York’s young people to come together and make new friends whilst building their independence.”
The festival will take place at Rowntree Park from 2pm to 5pm on Wednesday 23 July. There’s no need to book, simply turn up and have fun! More information on the event can be found on the Youth Council website at www.york.gov.uk/york-youth-council/york-youth-festival.
Anyone interested in a musical slot should get in touch with Emerging Talents by emailing Mark and Julie Ellerker at theelkyork@gmail.com.
Anyone interested in providing an activity or stall should contact the Communities Officer, Shiona at yorkyouthcouncil@york.gov.uk.