Organisers are planning an even ‘bigger and better’ event next year after Nantwich’s first Youth Arts Festival attracted crowds of creative kids.
A team of six town councillors, all with children of their own, planned a full programme of activities including art, drama, craft, pottery and theatrical make up.
Nantwich Civic Hall, the Methodist Church and St Mary’s parish hall were buzzing with youngsters from different schools sitting round tables making friends and things to take home.
Saturday’s highlight included an outdoor cinema screening of ‘The Greatest Showman’ at Brookfield Park which had more than 300 children, parents and grandparents singing and dancing along to Hugh Jackman songs.
Sunday saw a family session at the Civic Hall where parents and kids crafted greeting cards and clay Aberdeen Angus cows!
Then came a special appearance from celebrity brothers AJ and Curtis Pritchard, fresh from various TV appearances and setting up their own investment app called Fint.
The pair, known for their appearances on Strictly Come Dancing and Love Island, hail from Burleydam and went to Brine Leas School in Nantwich.
Youngsters from the Pritchard Dance and Fitness Academy in Burleydam, where they both trained, joined the brothers in leading families in a Salsa dance session, teaching the steps from the stage.
AJ said: “We have so many fond memories of Nantwich and competing on this stage at the Civic.
“To see an arts and drama festival here for young people is a great thing. Any form of creative art encourages ‘thinking out of the box’ and helps develop the confidence to stand in a boardroom and present your pitch.
“Being a ‘creator’ is now seen as a ‘real job’ and will be the future for many of the youngsters who have attended the festival so all credit to the organisers.”
Town councillor Kim Jamson, a former teacher at Highfields, said the festival offered opportunities to create, perform and be inspired.
“Nantwich used to have Schoolsfest which was lost to the pandemic and the new Youth Arts Festival aims to plug the gap and encourage children to put down their phones and use their creative minds, she said.
“We only had a few months to plan but the feedback was fantastic, all we could hope for and more.
“We have the Civic booked for the next two years and have already started planning for an even bigger and better event involving more schools and performances next year.”
The team hope to have a covered stage on the town square for theatrical and music performances and are considering a mini Christmas event offering a silent disco or film screening.
Cllr John Priest, also on the organising committee, said it was good for young people to meet the celebrity brothers who’ve made a career from the arts.
He said: “We were thrilled with the feedback from parents and children. Great to see the adults getting involved and making new friends too.”
Organisers estimate more than 1000 people enjoyed the attractions over the weekend.
Nantwich Town Council and Muller homes supported the event and organisers hope to attract new hands to the organising committee and more business sponsorship next year.
Anyone interested in getting involved is asked to contact [email protected]
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