Write a commentJust over a week to Youth Fest NI in Kilbroney Park, Rostrevor on Saturday the 7th of July.
The innovative Youth Festival is an ambitious cross border initiative from a committee of young professionals who wanted to create a free summer event for children and young adults which would showcase youth entertainment and make a positive contribution to reducing juvenile crime.
Within weeks of its inception, major business sponsors have come on board to support the initiative including Platinum Sponsor the Quays Shopping & Leisure and Silver sponsor John Tinnelly & Sons.
Committee Vice – Chair Mark Gibbons says: “We’re a small committee trying to create a really ambitious all-Ireland FESTIVAL for young people to play, meet, learn and inspire each other so we are really appreciative of the support from businesses in the area and in particular our principal sponsor, The Quays.”
“This Festival offers a unique combination of events to all ages and is the first of its kind to be staged in Newry and Mourne so we hope it’s very well supported so it becomes a high profile annual showcase for this region,” Mark adds.
The aims of the festival are to:
Provide a fun FREE event to families, children and young people;
Educate teens about road and driver safety, alcohol and drugs awareness;
Encourage social inclusion and good community relations and;
Inspire and nurture young entrepreneurs.
The day long Festival which will take place at Kilbroney Park on Saturday 7th of July, will be compared by UTV’s Paul Clarke and special guests on the day include Jim Eastwood (The Apprentice) and James McCullagh (UK Young Apprentice). Two marquees will facilitate indoor events while the park provides a natural arena for sport and dance activities.
Younger attendees will be well catered for during a series of morning events which include Wee Wonders Puppet Show, Jumping Clay, Teddy Bear’s Picnic, Family Sat Nav Treasure Hunt, Sticky Fingers Arts, Freestyle Football, Disc Golf, Beads Workshops, Magic George Puppet Show, Balloon Modeling and Laser Bug. Q105 FM will be providing music and competitions throughout the day.
Older teens can have a go at the afternoon events which include Zorbing, Bungee Trampoline, Giant Connect Four and Penalty Shoot Out, or join in with ‘It’s a Knockout’ (Youth Clubs welcome), Dance Workshops and also hear from Jim Eastwood and James McCullagh what it takes to be successful in business and how to developing a career.
The evening will wind down to a backdrop of the tunes from the Youth Music Stage featuring local artists Microlip, Ryan Dolan, Warrenpoint’s band The Shout, Animal Party and music also by Nathan Mullan and Emma Slater. For a full list of activities see www.youthfestni.com
You can become a ‘Friend of the Festival’ or sponsor it in other ways. If interested in this terrific production please contact Louise Campbell on 07845753918 or email Louise@youthfestni.com
