Free activities, community services and a lively atmosphere draw young people to Yate town centre
Young people from across Yate gathered in the town centre on 5 August for a day of free activities, ranging from street-art workshops to sports sessions and arts and crafts. The event brought local charities, health and support services, sports clubs and volunteers together to showcase activities and advice aimed at under-25s.
Run as the Yate Youth Festival, the afternoon offered a mix of creative and physical pastimes alongside information stalls. Workshops were led by community groups including the street-art collective Graft, while local organisations used the event to highlight the support they can provide to young people and families in the area.
- Creative activities: street-art workshops, arts and crafts, hair tinsel and temporary tattoos.
- Sport and play: giant games and sports sessions arranged by local clubs and Active Yate.
- Information and support: stalls from youth services and charities offering drug and alcohol support, mental health and diversity advice, violence reduction and youth engagement.
Free food and drink were available throughout the afternoon, helping keep the atmosphere inclusive and accessible. The town centre setting allowed passers-by to join in, while organisers said the friendly, constructive environment encouraged young people to try new things and meet others.
Organisers said the event had a "positive atmosphere", with young people trying new activities, meeting others and making use of the opportunities on offer.
Local services on hand
Several local and regional organisations attended to speak directly with young people about support and services. Those represented included:
- Young People's Drug and Alcohol Service
- Violence Reduction Partnership
- Alphabets
- Diversity Trust
- Off The Record
- The Bike Hub
- Local sports clubs and other stallholders
For organisations working with young people, the festival provided an opportunity to present information in a relaxed setting rather than clinical or office-based environments. The presence of a varied mix of agencies meant attendees could follow up on issues ranging from substance support to social groups and sporting opportunities.
| Activity type | Example providers |
|---|---|
| Creative | Graft; arts and crafts volunteers |
| Sport | Active Yate; local sports clubs |
| Support & information | Young People's Drug and Alcohol Service; Off The Record; Diversity Trust |
Volunteers and partners praised as plans begin for next year
Organisers publicly thanked volunteers, staff, partners and supporters for their help in staging the festival. They also acknowledged the practical support provided by Yate Shopping Centre and Active Yate, which helped to host activities and bring the event into the heart of the town.
With positive feedback from attendees and agencies, plans are already under way for a return festival in 2027. For many families and young people the event was an approachable way to discover local activities and to learn how to access help if needed.
Across South Gloucestershire, local events such as this are increasingly valued not only for their entertainment but for building connections between youth services and the young people they aim to reach. In Yate, the festival sits alongside other community efforts to increase visibility of services and encourage participation in healthy, creative and social pursuits.
As organisers prepare for next year, local charities and volunteers will be looking to broaden the reach of the festival so more young people can benefit from the free activities and guidance it provides.
