Police and Crime Commissioner supports Newport music festival

Young people from Newport are planning a free summer festival that will be headlined by award-winning grime artist Lady Leshurr.

Summer Fest will be held on Friday 2 August at Tredegar House and has been funded by the Arts Council for Wales and supported by the Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent’s Community Fund.

It is being organised by Urban Circle as part of the U-Turn Project, which uses the creative arts to tackle social problems affecting young people in and around the Pillgwently area of Newport.

As part of the project, a team of 25 young people aged between 13–25 organised a series of sell-out music events throughout 2018 to raise funding for the summer festival.

As well as experience planning major events, they have gained qualifications in areas such as youth work, sports, stewarding and first aid which are helping them to get paid work.

Loren Henry project coordinator Urban Circle said: “This will be our third Summer Fest and we hope this year will be the biggest and best yet.

“We have an award winning artist headlining the event and everything from the music, entertainment and food has been chosen and organised by the young people themselves.

“The purpose of Project U-Turn is to use the arts as diversionary activities, and to bring the Newport Youth Community together to celebrate art, drama, music and youth culture.

“The young people working on the project have all gained valuable experience and qualifications, and this has allowed them to be paid to work on the events, and is helping them to get started on the jobs ladder.

“I would like to thank our partners including the Police and Crime Commissioner, Gwent Police, the Youth Offending Service, G-Expressions, University of South Wales, Newport City Council, Beacons Cymru, and local arts professionals Jamie Winchester and Gareth Leaman for all the support that has made this project successful.”

Police and Crime Commissioner Jeff Cuthbert said: “The U-Turn project is a fantastic success story.

“It is giving young people the opportunity to channel their energy into something positive and steer them away from potentially being involved in crime and anti-social behaviour.

“They are gaining experience and qualifications that are helping them to get jobs; making new friends and building up their confidence.

“It is also breaking down barriers and helping to build a more cohesive community.

“Summer Fest promises to be an extraordinary event and I would encourage people to book their tickets before it is too late.”

More details about the event can be found on the Urban Circle Facebook page www.facebook.com/UrbanCircle