A series of exciting games and challenges for young people, by young people, will take place at this year’s Encounter Festival.
The unique outdoor event will see Birley Street transformed into a playground of energy and creativity as the Grand Games take centre stage with a lively mix of physical and arts-based challenges.
From 12pm to 2pm on Saturday 20 September, young people can turn up and take part in an assault course, football darts and an art competition. The highlight of the Grand Games will be a tug-of-war competition, which will also be open for an adult teams battle.
Read more: Encounter Festival returns to Preston for tenth year showcasing local talent
While team games will require pre-registration, the individual games are completely open – just turn up, join in and play.
This is the first time young people have organised a large-scale event at Encounter Festival, formerly Lancashire Encounter.
The project has given several young people a unique opportunity to shape the programme of a major city-wide arts celebration. The young producers have worked with Preston-based Wot Wud U Do Educational Services, led by founder Dave Clayton with support from Gemma Smith.
Dave said: “Not every young person thrives in a traditional classroom. We wanted to give them a space to show what they can do, tapping into their creativity, lived experience and unique ways of seeing the world.
“This project offered us a rare glimpse into their lives. The young people have created powerful resources, and we hope they will be used by adults to open conversations about mental health and bullying from their perspective.”
Young producer Jules Salthouse said: “Young people need something to do that gives them an opportunity to show all the people what we can do.”
Alongside the games, Wot Wud U Do will also debut a powerful new interactive film tacking bullying – where viewer choices affect the course of the story.
Filmed and produced by young people in Preston, supported by Soundskills’ Chris Davis, the film will premiere at The Guild Lounge in the Guild Hall, at 3.30pm on the same day.
Dave added: “This film is more than just a story about bullying – it’s an experience where the audience gets to make choices that shape the outcome and choose their own path.
“It has been created by using the lived experience of young people and their creativity, honesty and passion have been inspiring from start to finish. Watching them grow in confidence, learn new skills and pour their experiences into this project has been amazing. I think people are going to be blown away by what they’ve achieved.”
The film screening will also see the launch of a new mental health booklet, designed by young people to provide support, guidance and encouragement to their peers.
Encounter Festival has always been about bringing communities together through creativity, and this year the next generation is driving the action, ensuring their voices are heard and their ideas celebrated.
The young producers involved in the project are Jules Salthouse, Lexi Millings, Logan Millings, Liliana Hopkins, Libby Nelmes, Marlow Johnson, Arran Hignett, Veronica Palen and Ethan Syers.
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