Big Lunch Youth Zone Celebrates the Talent, Creativity and Voice of Young People in Cirencester
Young people took centre stage at this year's Big Lunch in the Park, with a vibrant Youth Zone celebrating local talent, creativity and youth voice as part of the popular community event organised by Cirencester Town Council.
The Youth Zone was coordinated by World Jungle on behalf of the Cotswold Youth Network, bringing together schools, youth organisations and community groups to create a space where young people could perform, exhibit their work, share their ideas and connect with the wider community.
Held in the Abbey Grounds, the Youth Zone showcased the very best of young people in Cirencester, providing opportunities for local singers, poets, photographers, speakers and young entrepreneurs to inspire hundreds of visitors throughout the day.
Throughout the afternoon, audiences enjoyed live music, spoken word performances, youth photography exhibitions, interactive activities and opportunities to hear directly from young people about the issues that matter most to them.
The event highlighted the positive contribution young people make to their communities while challenging negative stereotypes by celebrating their creativity, confidence and leadership.
Ben Ward, Coordinator of the Cotswold Youth Network, said:
"Too often we hear negative stories about young people. The Big Lunch Youth Zone was an opportunity to turn that narrative on its head and celebrate their creativity, talent, compassion and potential. It showed what can happen when schools, youth organisations and the wider community come together to provide opportunities for young people to shine."
A highlight of the afternoon was hearing young people confidently share their views, experiences and ambitions, demonstrating the importance of creating spaces where young voices are listened to and celebrated.
The Youth Zone featured performances from talented young musicians, poets and photographers from Kingshill School, Deer Park School and Farmor's School, alongside youth organisations working throughout the year to support children and young people across the town.
Jeremy Morland, Assistant Headteacher for Character Development at Kingshill School, said:
"The Big Lunch provides a perfect showcase for young people to demonstrate their range of talents. All of us at Kingshill are proud of what our wonderful students are able to offer – and are so glad that they are given this opportunity to showcase their brilliance!”
Visitors also had the opportunity to meet local organisations providing activities, support and opportunities for young people, demonstrating the strength of partnership working across Cirencester and the wider Cotswolds.
The Cotswold Youth Network would like to thank everyone who made the Youth Zone possible, including: Cirencester Town Council; Cirencester Rotary; Elizabeth Rowbotham; Kingshill School; Deer Park School; Farmor's School; The Door Youth Project; Family Action; The Churn Community Hub;Sparkhouse Creatives; Sportily; Into Nature; Football Fun Factory; Gary Thomas; All the volunteers, performers, speakers and young people who took part.
The Youth Zone was coordinated by World Jungle, on behalf of the Cotswold Youth Network, as part of the Network's ongoing work to strengthen youth provision across the Cotswolds. By bringing together schools, charities, councils and community organisations, the Network aims to create more opportunities for young people, celebrate their achievements and ensure that their voices help shape the future of their communities.