Douglas to put the ‘youth’ into Commonwealth Youth Games
Submitted on: Jun 30, 2011
Organised by Douglas Development Partnership and supported by Britannia International the festival will take place at the southern end of Douglas promenade in the area around the sunken gardens and will include a stage and performance space.
Development manager Chris Pycroft said: ‘The idea is for everyone in Douglas and across the Island to feel part of what is the largest sporting event the Island will have ever hosted with this two-day event aimed at creating a vibrant atmosphere by showcasing young people’s cultural, musical and sporting talent and offering them their “15 minutes of fame”.
‘The festival will be aimed principally, but not exclusively, at under-21s, so we’re asking solo performers and groups – be they singers, bands, musicians, circus skills exponents, poets, jugglers, dancers, magicians, gymnasts, skateboarders or free runners, for example, to come forward and contact us. We’re not just looking for performances on a stage but there is potentially an opportunity to use the wider area such as the beach or walkway for young people to demonstrate their skills in the activities they enjoy.
Town centre manager Gill Anderson continued: ‘We want Douglas to have a real buzz about it during the Games so, in support of the daytime activities, there will be what we’re billing as an “urban variety show” in the evening of Saturday September 10 at the Gaiety Theatre, showcasing a cross section of some of the festival’s most inspirational and creative young performers.’
Mr Pycroft added: ‘Ideally we’d like to see the festival become an annual event, albeit on a slightly less ambitious scale. We’re still in the planning stages and performance slots will be allocated on a first come, first served basis but what we’re saying to young people now is: “This is your chance to show the people of the Isle of Man and beyond what you’re capable of..’
To find out more contact Douglas town centre manager Gill Anderson at Douglas Development Partnership, 7-13 Victoria Street, Douglas. +44 (0)1624 612022. .
