After months of excitement and preparation, Youth Beatz with Choices for Life is finally here!
On Saturday 13 August, Dumfries’ Dock Park will play host to headliners JAMES ARTHUR and CASCADA as well as a host of fantastic local talent and entertainment. Scotland’s Largest Free Youth Music Event, which includes the interactive youth information area – The Toon, is all set to welcome the 12,000 ticket holders from 1pm.
Youth Beatz 2016 also sees the evolution of the hard hitting immersive and interactive learning experience through The Toon. The Toon brings a new twist on dealing with issues that affect young peoples’ lives. Topics addressed will include domestic abuse, poverty, alcohol, sectarianism and legal highs amongst others. Over 50 local young people volunteer to be involved in developing this and will be working all summer to put together this award winning educational experience. Make sure you book in early at the Toon box office to ensure you get a place on a tour, as tickets always go fast.
Throughout the afternoon of Saturday 13 August in the park, there will be a massive range of activities for all the family to get involved in. From Laser Quest, climbing wall, Nerf Gun arena, inflatable rides and assault courses to a market place for young entrepreneurs and local youth organisations.
Entertainment in the form of music and dance will also be provided on both the Bandstand and the main stage. From 5pm however, the focus switches to the bottom of the park and main stage where rising local bands ONR, Bella and the Bear, and Scope will ramp the crowds up ready for the main acts.
Councillor Ted Thompson, Provost of Dumfries and Chairman of Nithsdale Area Committee said;
“Youth Beatz and The Toon is a high quality experience and a great opportunity for the young adults of Dumfries and Galloway to get involved and work together. It is a lot more than a one day music festival , as it provides young people with a huge amount of support in areas such as health education, not to mention a week of fringe events.
I’d like to thank the large number of volunteers who have given up their time to help make it a success, especially those who have been working all summer on planning, producing and organising it alongside the Oasis Events Team. The experience and skills young people gain from being involved in such an event will be hugely beneficial to them in the future.
I would strongly advise people who do not already have tickets not to turn up on the day as no further tickets will be available. People should also arrive early as there will be no admission after 8pm. Please also remember that no food or drink is allowed to be taken into Dock Park.”
Now in its eighth year, the award winning event is managed through a partnership led by the Community Learning and Development Service Nithsdale in conjunction with the Oasis Events Team. Funding for the event has been secured from Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Nithsdale Area Committee, Choices for Life, Young Start, CashBack for Communities, West Sound FM and the Inspiring Entrepreneurs Project.
Police Scotland has worked in partnership with Youth Beatz planners to ensure the focus of Youth Beatz is on young people being able to attend and enjoy the event in safety. This is a no alcohol event and a robust policing plan is in place to ensure that anybody who enters this area in possession of, or under the influence of alcohol will be refused entry. Any young person found in possession or under the influence of alcohol will have their parents contacted to attend in order that they can be taken home.
To get all of the last minute information surrounding this year’s event, visit www.youthbeatz.co.uk
