ORGANISERS of this year's Firestarter Festival believe it will be the best yet after a decision was taken to change its location.
The festival, which is exclusively for young people, will take place at Ardwhallan Outdoor Education Centre – a site run by the Department of Education and Children.
Last year the festival took place at Crossags Campsite in Ramsey.
Festival co-ordinator Graeme Brooks said: "It is important to give our teenagers something that they can call their own, which gives them something to do and makes them feel valued. Firestarter does that.
"We are really excited about moving to Ardwhallan as we feel the music and entertainment Firestarter traditionally provides will complement the outdoor pursuits that Ardwhallan offers. This should be the best festival in our history."
Firestarter has been running annually since 1997 and is open to young people between the ages of 12 and 17. This year's festival will take place from Wednesday, August 17, to Sunday, August 21.
Two separate music venues will be set up - a marquee with a full AV rig for the big-band festival experience and a Manx longhouse for acoustic acts. There will also be numerous other activities to try including climbing, kayaking, cycling, giant inflatable boxing, hikes, talent shows and themed parties.
For many, the highlight of the festival is a water fight which involves more than 5,000 water bombs and more than 100 water guns.
Graeme continued: "We give the youth as much independence as we can. For example we run a 24 hour rock café – if they don't want to be asleep at 3am they can go and hang out with their friends instead.
"We just give them choices - we might have an educational seminar on drugs abuse in the café, a live indie music gig in the marquee and a group doing climbing, all going on at once.
"We prove to these young people that they can have fun without drugs or alcohol. We have a 24-hour security team to ensure that, but really we have very few problems each year. Teenagers are great when you respect them and give them a bit of space."
The festival is run by volunteers – most of which come from the Island's Christian churches. Although religious content is provided all activities are optional and the organisers welcome people from all backgrounds and beliefs.
Tickets cost £95 and include four nights camping, meals and entertainment. For more information visit www.firestarterfestival.com.
