05/09/06 - Cllr Tomlinson, Free Festival For Teenagers

The first free festival for Swindon teenagers takes place in Old Town on Saturday (September 9).

A range of exciting activities aimed at 13-19 year-olds will kick off in Town Gardens at 1pm and run until 10pm.

The event, which is designed to promote the positive side of local youth culture, includes circus skills, football, rugby, cricket, DJ session, relaxation zone, dance workshops and performances and art and poetry.

The festival has been planned by young people in partnership with Swindon Borough Council Youth Service, Youth Information Swindon, Youth Action Wiltshire, Active Swindon, Swindon Music Service and Oxfam.

Cllr Garry Perkins, Cabinet Member for Children Services, said: “The aim of the event is to bring young people together and celebrate all the positive skills they have.  It will provide them with the opportunity to showcase their talents, meet new people and generally have fun.  If young people are interested in getting more involved with projects on offer from the youth service they can sign up for more information on the day.”

On the main stage there will be a variety of local young people’s bands and DJs playing throughout the day and evening. The set will end with music from local band Belarus.

There will also be an information zone available for young people to find out about support and organisations available to them in Swindon, coordinated by Youth Information Swindon.

Cllr Justin Tomlinson, North Swindon Conservative Parliamentary Candidate, "This promises to be an excellent event for the youth of Swindon, bringing together the hard work of a wide range of groups."