Young people involved in organising Youth Beatz and The Toon were overjoyed at the recent announcement of two year funding, totalling £49,000, from Young Start Lottery Fund.
Cairn Langan, from the Oasis event team, said: “This is unbelievable news that will really help us with planning for this year and next year.”
The grant will allow expansion and new improvements to the event experience for young people attending as well as an enhanced training programme for those involved in the planning and organising.
Provost of Dumfries, Councillor Ted Thompson, said: “Youth Beatz and The Toon are much more than just a music festival. It is a community enterprise, central to our region’s annual events calendar, allowing young people to take an active role in their community. The range of activities and support available during the Fringe Festival on the run up to the event is incredible, helping our young people to fulfil their potential.”
The Toon is the youth engagement element of Youth Beatz, which brings a new twist on dealing with issues that affect young peoples’ lives. Topics addressed have included domestic abuse, poverty, alcohol, sectarianism, and legal highs. More than 50 local young people volunteer to be involved and will be working all year to put together this award winning educational experience.
Plans are well underway for Youth Beatz, including The Toon, which is on Saturday 12 August in Dock Park Dumfries.
