Young people and families across Colchester are invited to Youth Fest on Tuesday 4 August, a free event taking place from 11am to 3pm in the city centre, giving them the chance to try new activities, meet others and enjoy what their city has to offer.
Bringing together sport, music and creative activities, the festival will provide a relaxed and welcoming space where young people can take part, try something new and explore at their own pace. With a variety of activities available, the aim is to offer something for everyone.
Activities across the city centre
At Lower Castle Park, live DJ sets will run alongside Colchester United Premier League Kicks and Essex Rebels basketball sessions. Local police and fire crews will also be there with their vehicles, offering a chance to chat, ask questions and take part in interactive safety activities. Leisure World are hosting some activities including dodgeball, walking tag and bench ball. A range of stalls will be available, too, providing support, advice and free giveaways.
At Firstsite, activities include art workshops with YAK (Young Art Kommunity), parkour with Team Kinetix, skateboarding with Dry Skate Project, and dance and music sessions.
Colchester Castle will also be offering free tours on a first-come, first-served basis at 2pm and 3pm, providing an opportunity to explore one of the city’s most well-known historic sites.
More to explore
Alongside the main locations, activities will also take place across other parts of the city, such as gaming and climbing at Essex Youth Service's town house in East Stockwell Street, and market stalls in St Nicholas Square, including Business Kids Young Entrepreneurs. The team at Simmply Active Gym will be hosting a day of fitness challenges, games and beginner-friendly boxing fun at their premises at Unit P, 12 Moorside, CO1 2TJ. There will also be axe throwing at Urban Xtreme, at Temple Bridge on Colne Bank Avenue, CO1 1UU. Together, these offer a chance for young people to discover opportunities they can continue beyond the day itself, whatever their interests may be.
Working together for young people
Youth Fest is delivered by the Colchester Community Safety Partnership (CSP), which brings together Colchester City Council, Essex Police and a wide range of local organisations. Together, we are creating opportunities for young people to feel more confident, supported and connected to their community, while encouraging them to try new activities and develop existing interests. This inclusive festival is open to everyone.
Cllr David King, Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Communities and Public Protection, said: “Youth Fest is about giving young people from all backgrounds and abilities a space where they feel welcome and can enjoy themselves, while also seeing what’s available to them locally. It’s great to see so many partners coming together again to support this initiative.
“We’d encourage young people to come along, try something new and make the most of the day – you never know, you might find a new passion!”
All main activities are free, making it easy for everyone to take part.
To find out more and keep up to date with the latest information, visit the Colchester Community Safety Partnership event page here.