Hundreds of young people enjoy Summer Fest

More than 500 young people from Gwent enjoyed a day of live music at Tredegar House on Friday 2 August as part of the Urban Circle Summer Fest.

The festival was devised and organised by young people aged 13 – 25 as part of Urban Circle’s U-Turn project, which uses the creative arts to tackle social problems affecting young people in and around the Pillgwently area of Newport.

International award-winning artist Lady Leshurr headlined a packed schedule which saw 60 acts take to the stage.

The U-Turn project was funded by the Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent’s Police Community Fund and the event supported by the Arts Council for Wales.

Loren Henry, project coordinator Urban Circle, said: “This was our third festival and was easily our and best event yet.

“Everything from the music, entertainment, food, even the on-site security, was planned and organised by young people. They all gained stewarding and first aid qualifications, and about half of them also completed safeguarding and youth work accreditations. This allowed us to pay them a wage to work the event and will help them when they are applying for jobs.

“The event created a safe environment for young people to have fun and be themselves, and we are already looking forward to planning our next event as part of the Pill Carnival in August.

“I would like to thank all of the team for delivering such a fantastic event, and our partners including the Police and Crime Commissioner, Gwent Police, National Trust, the Youth Offending Service, G-Expressions, University of South Wales, Newport City Council, Beacons Cymru, and local arts professionals Jamie Winchester and Gareth Leaman for all the support that has made this project successful.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Jeff Cuthbert said: “Summer Fest was a fantastic event and I must commend the hard work and dedication of the Urban Circle team.

“The event brought young people together from across the city, breaking down barriers and helping to build a more cohesive community.

“It has given young people the opportunity to channel their energy into something positive for their community and steer them away from potentially being involved in crime and anti-social behaviour.

“I am delighted to be able to support Urban Circle for another year through my Community Fund and look forward to hearing about their next event.”

For more details on Urban Circle visit https://ucnewport.co.uk