THE Isle of Man’s only teenage festival, Firestarter, has claimed to have beaten the recession by selling more tickets than ever before.
Festival organisers have attributed this success to support received from local businesses.
Graeme Brooks, the festival’s assistant coordinator 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. We wouldn’t be able to do that without the help we get from local businesses. Ashgrove and Manx Telecom have revitalised the festival with amazing results.”
Jamie Popple, creative director at Ashgrove was responsible for re-designing the festivals logo. He said: “The festival is all about giving the youth freedom to be themselves, which is a really wonderful thing. The wings in the logo represent that freedom. We believe the Island’s youth are worth investing in, and we are really proud to have been involved in this year’s event.”
Manx Telecom funded the printing of all promotional material and Complete Construction Services provided free transport and materials for the event.
Over 100 youths are expected to attend the festival which combines a range of activities including sports, games and live music. Festival coordinator Tommy Harrison believes the festival really appeals to the Island’s youth. He said: “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 entirely by volunteers, most of whom come from the Island’s Christian churches. Although religious content is provided, all activities are optional and the organisers welcome people of all backgrounds and beliefs.
Firestarter runs from Wednesday, August 18, to Sunday August 22, at the Crossags campsite in Ramsey. Tickets are available to anyone aged 12 to 17 and cost £80, which is inclusive of camping, meals and entertainment.
Further information can be found at www.firestarterfestival.com.
