Young people will take over Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park for a weekend in November at the first ever youth-led cultural festival.
U Fest will feature the best of creative and cultural activity for youngsters with dance, fashion, music, comedy and politics across the park’s iconic venues from November 27 to 29.
Developed by The Foundation for FutureLondon and London Legacy Development Corporation in partnership with Bigga Fish, the whole weekend is being organised by a group of 40 young people aged between 14 and 25.
Currently taking part in a six-month accredited Street Team training programme with the youth organisation Bigga Fish, the team are involved in the planning, programming, marketing and delivery of the event and hope to reach more than 10,000 young people from across the UK.
The weekend will culminate with a 3,000-strong concert at the Copperbox Arena featuring the likes of Naughty Boy, Fekky and YouTube sensation Lady Leshurr.
“I’m very happy and chuffed to be a part of it,” said grime star Big Narstie, who will also be performing. “It’s good to give back.
“A lot of these young kids are very talented and just need a bit of guidance and nurturing to push them through so if I can help at least two of them, I’ll be chuffed.
“With great power comes great responsibility. Some people don’t ask for the power but the responsibility lies there never-the-less.
“I’m in a position of great power because a lot of kids look up to me and are influenced by me, so any chance I get to promote them and to listen and help them I’ll take it.”
The festival will see the launch of the London Dance Championships, an open competition for London dance groups to compete for £5,000 of prizes in the iconic Aquatics Centre.
“It’s all made by young people, which is really exciting,” said street team member Louise Businge, 19, from Plaistow.
“It’s our chance to show we’re not all like how we’re portrayed on the TV.”
There will also be a range of seminars on fashion, run in association with the British Fashion Council and Trapstar.
For more information visit eventbrite.co.uk/e/u-fest-co-sign-concert-tickets-18339889102.
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