Youth festival kick-starts school summer holidays
MUSIC, games and a World Cupinspired penalty shoot-out drew crowds away from the telly to a city centre youth festival at the weekend.
The free festival on Humberstone Gate was not only teeming with people it was also packed with events to kick-start the summer holidays for young people.
From 2pm until 6pm, youngsters, practised their ball skills with the LCFC Community Trust, tried some festival-style glitter face painting, had a go at zorb football and scored with quizzes and competitions.
They were also able to learn about staying safe, get useful advice on health, drug, alcohol and relationship issues, and find out about knife crime initiatives.
The event – aimed at those aged 13 and over – was the first of seven youth festivals taking place across Leicester this summer and was organised by Leicester City Council’s youth services in partnership with Leicester City Football Club, Leicestershire Police and the Office of the Police & Crime Commissioner.
Councillor Sarah Russell, deputy city mayor, who leads on children and young people’s services, said: “Our youth festivals are a great opportunity for young people to meet up and have fun during the summer holidays.
“It’s also a chance for them to chat to our youth workers and find out about the other services we can offer them.
“We know that providing things for young people to do can have a positive effect on neighbourhoods and the wider community, so I’m pleased that this year our youth festivals will be taking place in parks and open spaces across the city, making it easy for everyone to take part.”
Senior youth worker Sam Merry said: “We are really excited about our youth festivals this year and hope to see lots of new faces.
“We have teamed up with our partners to put some fun back in to the summer holidays, while ensuring that young people know that they always have somewhere to go, something to do and someone to talk to.”
Superintendent Shane O’Neill said: “These festivals will be a lot of fun, with plenty going on to keep teenagers amused over the holiday period.”
The series of summer youth festivals continues tomorrow with an event at the Sturdee Road recreation ground, in Eyres Monsell. Festivals will also be held in Humberstone, Highfields, Braunstone, Beaumont Leys and New Parks/Woodgate.