BRIDGFEST SEES RECORD TURNOUT OF YOUNG PEOPLE

The annual youth festival in West Bridgford clocked up its biggest attendance since Bridgfest became a regular event on the summer calendar. Out of the 1,200 plus young people who went along to the day of free music, sport and fun, 700 of those also signed up to a charter of non-violence, condemning the recent spate of anti-social behaviour demonstrated by a small number of people in some of Britain’s cities.
Nottinghamshire County Council leader, Kay Cutts, who spent the afternoon joining in activities and chatting to youngsters, said: “Young people often get a raw deal in the press and with older generations, who perceive them to be troublemakers and up to no good, but the reality is that this is only a very small minority.
“Most of the young people were also keen to sign up to the charter to show their public condemnation of the recent violence across the country, which shows the strength of feeling that exists among the younger generation.”
Supt Paul Anderson of Nottinghamshire Police added: “It was great to see such a large group of young people coming together to enjoy the event. In light of what happened recently, we are really pleased Bridgfest went ahead and all those who attended
behaved impeccably.”
Twelve rock and pop youth bands from the Rushcliffe area performed on the main stage and the urban marquee hosted MCing, DJing, street dance and poetry. The fun activities on offer, including body zorbs, sumo wrestling with inflatable suits, graffiti art and circus skills, were mainly aimed at young people between 10 and 19, but children from five are also catered for.
Council youth worker David Warren, who was one of the event organisers, added: “Bridgfest was a huge success this year. The feedback I got was that people really enjoyed it telling me that there was not only a lot to do, but a good variety of activities to suit everyone.”