Young people from The Hague aged between 13 and 18 came to the Youth Summer Fest last Saturday. A festival organised by 12 young people from Moerwijk. With a line up of urban music, led by host Jacky Delyara, MC Sosa and MC Mookie, this evening saw Shairo, DJ Rani, Sluwe Ollie, Architrackz, DJ Vince, DJ Omairo & MC Ruthh, Figo Gang and Dylisa. The evening opened with a talent show Jmano won the first prize for his performance.
There was also a real festival experience on the grounds of the Zuiderpark Theatre with food trucks, a hair salon, photobooth and boxing ball as a fringe programme. In the process, the sunny evening made it unforgettable.
Organising their own festival challenged the young people and prepared them for a future career. Almost all facets of festival organisation were done by or with young people; from line-up compilation to promotion, and on the day itself they also handled backstage management and ticket scanning. D-gentley commented, "I am D-gentley and I helped organise the festival I am super happy that I participated because I really learned how to coordinate and work with people to build something great so am super proud!" Jacenthilo also experienced a great day and took on the role of Backstage Manager. "I learnt how the work goes backstage. And how quickly you had to pick up the artists and what I look back on proudly is that it turned out to be a fun festival and the crowd was so sociable and active."
The young people were guided in their project by Annemarie de Bruijn of Zuiderparktheater, and youth workers Renate Stuger and John Gutterswijk. They too look back on the day with pride. The young people outdid themselves, everyone was 'on', with great enthusiasm all tasks were taken up. And they also received many compliments from the visitors and performers. We are all looking forward to Part III!