Big Shout at Brathay
Posted Tuesday, 17 November 2009, 12.00pm
A FESTIVAL designed entirely by young people for young people took place in true British festival style on Saturday November the 7th – in the pouring rain. But the wet weather could not dampen the atmosphere as some 250 youngsters from across Cumbria attended the first ever Big Shout event at Brathay.
The free afternoon of music, activities and workshops was the brainchild of a group of teenagers who worked together for several months after attending a residential placement at Brathay.
With funding from Cumbria County Council’s Youth Support Service and Brathay, they put together an event to appeal to today’s 13-19-year-olds. Outdoor activities included canoeing, high and low rope courses, zip wires and a football cage, while bands played throughout the day inside a giant gazebo. In the neighbouring tent there was a selection of art workshops, T-shirt printing, a jesters’ circus workshop and gymnastic demonstrations.
Lauren Summers, 17, of Arnside, was chair of the management team and decided to call the event the Big Shout because the project was designed to allow young persons’ voices to be heard. Lauren told the de-briefing meeting at Brathay: “It’s really good to see it all in action with all the banners, signs and hoodies bearing the event logo. “The idea was that it would have a festival theme – so I think really the rain has added to it.”
John Burdon-Bailey, deputy chairman of Brathay’s trustees, said: “It’s important young people organise events for young people and as a young persons’ charity, it’s essential we listen to what young people want.” Godfrey Owen, Brathay chief executive, said: “We’re a national charity with bases in different regions around the country, but Cumbria is our home turf so it’s important for us to support the community in Cumbria.”