The Festival’s 5-day line up boasts a variety of interactive talks, workshops and events, and is completely free to attend. Based on the theme of education, activities and activism, featured guest speakers from local organisations will be speaking about subjects such as LGBT, drugs and alcohol, Black Lives Matter, Mental Health, and Employment and Training.
The festival is also to offer participants the chance to take part in workshops in poetry and lyric writing, stand-up comedy, circus skills and much more, as well as open mic nights where the young people can showcase skills learned throughout the festival.
The Youth West Summer Festival aims to provide meaningful and engaging activities to young people in a supportive and safe environment. This extends from efforts by YMCA Norfolk since the beginning of the Covid-19 lockdown to continue their work with young people via a newly established online youth club website. The festival is a collective effort from local charities to continue to provide this safe and fun environment online where young people can access support during the summer holidays.
Tim Sweeting, CEO of YMCA Norfolk said,
“In the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, many youth clubs have had to close leaving young people without the in-person support usually provided by charities like YMCA Norfolk.
“During this unique summer which has left many young people feeling limited in their options, we are pleased to provide an online space where they can relax and have fun, as well as learn skills and access training opportunities.”
Partnering organisations who are helping to run the festival include The Matthew Project, The Benjamin Foundation, The Garage, Swan Youth Project, and the West Norfolk Youth Advisory Board.
Free tickets as well as full details on the festival can be found at www.youthwestsummerfest.com