Six days of activities and entertainment for young people will be taking place across Nithsdale later this summer. Thanks to Youth Beatz Fringe, organised by the Council’s Community Learning and Development Service, there will be different events running in Sanquhar, Kirkconnel, Lincluden and Lochside with Lucy Spraggan headlining Saturday 1 August at Maxwelton High School and Nicholas McDonald headlining on Thursday 6 August at Crawick Multiverse. All the events for Youth Beatz Fringe 2015 are totally free and no ticket is required.
Lucy Spraggan is an English musician who describes her music synonymous with the cross-border sound she calls Fop; the melodic middle ground where pop and folk meet the toe-tapping interpretations of classic sounds. In 2012 she auditioned for The X Factor, during the show she fell ill so subsequently had to quit the show finishing ninth place. Her debut major label album, Join the Club, was released on 7 October 2013, reaching number 7 in the UK charts.
Lucy said;
“I’ve been really lucky to perform at the venues I have in my career so far, but I’m really looking forward to performing at Youth Beatz Fringe. I’ve heard it’s a brilliant show to perform at, and it’s 
always a thrill to perform in front of Scottish crowds!”
Nicholas impressed judges, including Simon Cowell, at the age of just 12 when he was part of Britain’s Got Talent in 2009.. He enjoyed great success through the 2013 series of X Factor and was the runner-up. After the show, he released his debut album In the Arms of an Angel in March 2014, peaking to number 6 on the UK Albums Chart and number 1 on the Scottish Albums Chart.
Derry Moore from Youth Beatz Fringe steering group said;
“We are really excited to be a part of the fringe festival and can’t wait to see Lucy Spraggan and Nicholas McDonald come to Nithsdale. The programme has something for every young person and we hope they will come along and enjoy the festival this summer!”
Provost of Dumfries Councillor Ted Thompson, who is also Chair of Nithsdale Area Committee, said;
“The Youth Beatz Fringe continues to go from strength to strength. This year sees 6 action packed days of activities when local communities and their young people participate. Our Council is committed to providing the best start in life to our children and also to being an inclusive Council. Events like Youth Beatz fringe help us deliver these priorities to our young people. I hope that the young people of Nithsdale get out and support the 6 days of events in their local area.”
The 6 days of activities kick off on the Saturday 1 August in Dumfries town centre with Urban Day from 12noon to 5pm, followed by Lucy Spraggan live in concert at Maxweltown High School from 7pm until 11pm.
The next day see Big Family Fun Day at Lochside Toy Library from 11 to 3pm followed by a night time Roller Disco at Maxwelltown High Sports Hub from 7pm to 11pm.
Monday 3 August sees Super Monday’s fun day for young people with additional support needs and disabilities at Oasis Youth Centre from 1-5pm followed by Super Monday’s disco. Also from 6pm to 10:30pm there will be a 5-a-side football tournament at the car park across from Oasis in Newall Terrace, Dumfries.
Tuesday sees circus skills at Lincluden Community Centre from 12noon to 5pm followed by a magic and talent show from 7pm to 10pm at Miners Hall, Kirkconnel.
Wednesday brings a Dance event at The Venue in Dumfries from 7pm to 10pm.
The week is rounded off with an Urban day at Kirkconnel skate park from 12 noon to 4pm followed by Nicholas McDonald live in concert at Crawick Multiverse.
