12,000 ROCK THE DOCK PARK,DUMFRIES AT YOUTH BEATZ 2015

Youth Beatz rocks the Dock

A capacity crowd of 12,000 people filled the Dock Park in Dumfries on Saturday for the largest free youth music event in Scotland, with all tickets taken up by Dumfries and Galloway residents.

The huge audience was thrilled by headline performances from Union J and Scouting for Girls, alongside a host of local acts.

Both headliners commented on the amazing atmosphere, with Scouting for Girls later tweeting “Dumfries you were loverly!”

One young person said; “This year’s Youth Beatz was amazing, best 1 I’ve been to, had a gr8 day!”

Youth Beatz featured the huge World of Wonka – an interactive youth zone delivered by the Council’s Youth Work Nithsdale and partners – that allows groups of young people to learn about issues such as domestic abuse, sexual exploitation, poverty, online bullying, diversity and equality, body image, and drugs and alcohol.

This production was designed and written by local young people who have gone through issue-based training, performance and production camp,then performed on the day of Youth Beatz.

Provost Ted Thompson said “Providing the best start in life for all our children, protecting our most vulnerable people and being inclusive are all priorities for our Council. Youth Beatz was again an outstanding event and a tribute to the volunteers of all ages who gave over 3,500 hours of their time in delivering not only this but also the World of Wonka and Youth Beatz Fringe. This is about the youth of our region doing things for themselves and shows the talent they possess, which bodes well for the future.”

Other attractions included a brand new Health Zone, Circus Arena, Viking Village, fire eaters, and the usual inflatable slides and sports activities.

Michael Williams, a young person from the Oasis Events Team behind the event, said, “I’ve learned so much through my involvement in the event and can’t wait to get more experiences like this.”

The Council would like to thank all partners involved in planning the event.

There will be a Full DGWGO review and hundreds of photos from the event in this weeks DGWGO weekly  sign up to get yours at https://www.facebook.com/DGWGO/app_100265896690345