Festival celebrates young achievers
Warwickshire County Council’s Festival of Achievement has celebrated the successes of more than 100 looked after children.
Held at Dunchurch Park Hotel and Conference Centre in Rugby, the event featured the Shaping Up Awards which highlighted the vast array of talents of the young people who are looked after in Warwickshire.
For the first time, young people helped to shape and stage the event. The festival showcased talents and provided entertainment for children and young people with ages ranging from seven to 21.
The festival was officially opened by Marion Davis, Strategic Director for Children Young People and Families at Warwickshire County Council, and portfolio holder Cllr Izzi Seccombe made a speech to the young people.
That was followed by performances from Sez U Theatre and street poet Dreadlockalien and a graffiti demonstration.
Among the activities on offer included a theatre workshop, graffiti skills, a ‘Big Brother-style diary room, face painting, a treasure hunt and a climbing wall.
The culmination of the day included the awards, a show from winners of the talent contest and a drama performance.
Rob Dunster, Development Manager, Leaving Care, said: “It is important that we celebrate the achievements of young people who often have to battle against the odds to succeed.
This festival was a departure from the speech day model of previous events and was more like a fete with lots of stalls and attractions. The children were much more involved and it worked very well.”