Youth Beatz Festival 2026 will once again bring thousands of young people together for Scotland’s largest free youth music event, celebrating music, community and opportunities for young people across Dumfries and Galloway to get involved in a range of free activities to suit all ages and interests.
This year, the festival will introduce an exciting new Sports Zone, made possible through £10,000 of funding from the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games Fund. The energetic and inclusive space will give young people and families the opportunity to take part in a wide range of sporting activities completely free of charge.
The Sports Zone has been designed to inspire young people to get active, try something new and build confidence through participating in activities focused on sport and wellbeing. Free sports opportunities and activities will include:
- Curling
- Climbing wall
- Ice sports
- mountain biking
- High ropes course
- Lazer quest
These activities will all be delivered by qualified coaches and local clubs.
To celebrate Scotland’s participation in this year’s World Cup, Let’s Get Sporty will be running a football World Cup area complete with mini tournaments, bounce games and plenty of fun football themed activities that will run over the event weekend.
By removing barriers to access, the Sports Zone aims to ensure that all young people – regardless of background or ability – can experience the benefits of sport. The zone will also help build confidence, improve mental wellbeing and build relationships between participants and local clubs to encourage ongoing involvement in their communities.
Chair of Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Education Skills and Community Wellbeing Committee Councillor Tracey Little said:
“Ensuring young people have access to free, high-quality activities like those in the Sports Zone is incredibly important. This initiative not only promotes healthier lifestyles but also supports young people and families facing increasing financial pressures through access to free activities led by local partner organisations such as Let’s Get Sporty.”
This investment highlights the important role that sport can play in improving young people’s physical and mental health, particularly during a time when many families are experiencing the pressures of the cost-of-living crisis. Providing free opportunities at events like Youth Beatz ensures that all young people can access fun and positive activities without financial barriers.
Vice-Chair of Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Education Skills and Community Wellbeing Committee Councillor George Jamieson said:
“Our council is fully committed to investing in children and young people across Dumfries and Galloway, opportunities like this demonstrate how we can work together with partners to create inclusive, accessible experiences that help young people build their confidence and inspire them for their futures.”
If you would like more information, please contact us on [email protected] or call 01387 260243.
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