Talented young folk celebrate in sunshine
Billie Mackie (7) from the Fair City Baton Twirlers brought along her best pal Charlie A bumper crowd enjoyed glorious sunshine at the weekend’s celebration of young people, Diverse CiTay Festival.
On Saturday, June 23 the city turned out to celebrate the very best of youth culture as part of Scotland’s Year of Young People 2018, with a two-inch carnival parade, street performers, entertainment and Scotland’s first ever youth market.
The parade, which left from the South Inch and travelled along Tay Street to the North Inch, saw a range of young makers and creators kick off the day’s celebrations.
The next generation of young traders under the age of 26 then showed their entrepreneurial skills by flogging their wares in the youth market on Mill Street. One of the youngest sellers at the market was eight-year-old Amelia from Bridge of Cally, who has set up her very own soap business called Smelleez.
Steven Stewart, chair of Developing the Young Workforce for Perth and Kinross, said: “We are delighted to be part of Scotland’s first youth market and to have so many young people come together to showcase their talent in our fantastic city.
“Perth has many great independent retailers and small businesses. It is also the fastest growing city in Scotland with the highest self-employment rate. Many young people today have the talent and ambition needed to run a business, but we need to do more to nurture their enthusiasm, encourage a wider culture of entrepreneurship and make their dreams a reality.
“A big part of our young workforce initiative is focused on supporting Scotland’s next generation of entrepreneurs. Events like the youth market are a great opportunity to break down the myths and perceived barriers and we’d be delighted to have more local business owners get on board.”
A music stage hosted by Ministry of Sound on Horsecross Plaza was a huge hit with the crowd, with special guest performances from Jack Maynard, The House and Garage Orchestra, Karen Harding, Be Charlotte and Mikey.
Young people also took to the stage in the newly-refurbished Perth Theatre and debated issues that matter to them in Perth Museum and Art Gallery.
Also in the museum were two special exhibitions created by young people, including a commemoration of the First World War by pupils from Perth Academy and an exploration of self-image and identity by Perth photographer Magnus Jackson.
The event was visited by deputy first minister John Swinney.
The Perthshire North representative said: “It is fantastic to see the talents, skills and ideas of Perth’s young people brought to life through the Diverse CiTay Festival.
“Our Year of Young People is about creating opportunities which challenge, and importantly, change the negative perceptions of young people.
“I am delighted to see that Perth has created such a creative and bold event which empowers young people, shares their stories, and puts the spotlight firmly on the significant contributions they are making to communities across Scotland.” Letham Majorettes took part in the carnival parade SHIP (Support, Help and Integration in Perthshire) helps young people with additional support needs