News release               

15 August 2008
 
RUNNYMEDE YOUTH FESTIVAL BUZZ
IS A MUST FOR YOUNG PEOPLE
SUNDAY 7 SEPTEMBER 12noon to 7.00pm 

With more than enough sport to play and music to listen to, the expected 500 young people attending this year's Runnymede Youth Festival will get buzzing with the fun and the atmosphere at this daylong event at Egham Sports Centre run by the  Borough Council.

Runnymede Youth Council has been busy promoting the second annual festival, which is free of charge and aimed at 11-19 year olds.  The Council's sports and youth development team have put together a programme crammed with choice to grab the interest of every youngster.  The aims of the day are to:
• Showcase the successes of young people throughout the Borough and surrounding area.
• Give young people an opportunity to participate in new and exciting activities.
• Inform young people of opportunities open to them in the Borough and surrounding area.
• Improve the lives of young people in the Borough and surrounding area.

Fiona Brown, play and youth development officer, has brought together a number of activities at this Youth Council-driven event.   On Sunday 7 September at Egham Leisure Centre the young people have from 12noon to 7.00pm to try out all sorts of sports, talk to voluntary organisations, and listen to the best of the county's bands.  The day's events open at 12 noon and the two stages will continue until 7.00pm.  Other activities will close at 6.00 pm.   Surrey Police and Safer Runnymede Partnership will be attending and are strict about no drinks or drugs at events for young people.

The two stages will be in separate tents:  the Youth Festival tend has a dance stage and a beat boxer and the Euphonic Stage will host the best of Surrey's Live and Direct bands found from heats held throughout the county earlier this year.

Skateboarding demonstrations on the Team Extreme skate ramp, graffiti boards, a surf simulator and a football five-a-side tournament are there to add to the day's overall buzz.  Fiona Brown said "After a couple times they have climbed the wall or tried the other sports they will have had enough of an adrenalin rush to feel amazing."

Councillor Chris Norman, chairman of the Leisure and Environment Committee, said:  "For one day, Runnymede's young people can enjoy two live music stages, a young person's dream list of extreme sports, and be with friends.  Let's hope we can build on last year's success and provide another fun day for the youngsters of our Borough." 

Runnymede Youth Festival could not happen without the sponsorship from P & G Community Matters, and support of the Youth Council, Runnymede Borough Council Leisure team, Surrey County Council Youth Development Services, Euphonic, summer staff, Surrey Police.  County Councillors Yvonna Lay, Marisa Heath and Elise Whitely have each contributed their Councillors’ Allowance budget to this event.

For more information about the festival please contact Fiona Brown, Runnymede Youth and Sport Development Officer on 01932 425693.

Ends
         

Notes to Editors:
• The Festival aims to:
o Showcase the successes of young people throughout the Borough and surrounding area.
o Give young people an opportunity to participate in new and exciting activities.
o Inform young people of opportunities open to them in the Borough and surrounding area.
o Improve the lives of young people in the Borough and surrounding area.
                    

• Runnymede Youth Festival, which began in 2007, attracted 300 young people to the Egham Leisure Centre outdoor site.

• On Sunday 7 September, 2008, the second Festival will be held at the same place and organisers hope the 500-people capacity will be met.

• Runnymede Youth Council promote the event, run by the Borough Council leisure staff.

• It is funded by the Youth Opportunities Fund (£10,000) Procter & Gamble Community Matters (£4,000) Councillors Allowance (£3,000) Runnymede Borough Council/Arts Group fund (£3,000).

• Runnymede Borough Council has eight priorities serving the borough, one of which is to provide opportunities for young people by addressing issues important to them and providing activities and facilities for young people. 

• The second priority underpinning the Runnymede Youth Festival is to promote leisure and culture in the borough, by promoting existing leisure and cultural activities and facilities, and supporting new developments.