DOUGLAS will host a Festival of Youth to celebrate the Isle of Man's wealth of young talent during the Commonwealth Youth Games.
The event is being organised by the Douglas Development Partnership and supported by Britannia International and will take place on Douglas Promenade on September 10 and 11.
Chris Pycroft, the development manager for Douglas, 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 - to come forward and contact us."
The festival will take place at the southern end of Douglas Promenade in the area around the Sunken Gardens. There will be a stage and performance space for young people to utilise.
Chris continued: "We're not just looking for performances on a stage but there is also a potential opportunity to use the wider area such as the beach or promenade walkway where young people can demonstrate their skills in the activities they enjoy.
"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'."
Gill Anderson, the town centre manager for Douglas, said: "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' on 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."
The Festival of Youth will be held on Saturday, September 10 and Sunday, September 11. To find out more contact Gill by calling 01624 612022 or e-mail ganderson@douglas.org.im.
