Thousands of youngsters flocked to the Queen Elizabeth Park last weekend for the capital’s first ever youth-led festival.
UFest featured a host of creative and cultural activity for youngsters with fashion, music, comedy and politics across the park’s iconic venues
The weekend kicked off with the London Dance Championships on Friday night at the Aquatics Centre, which saw the diving pool covered and transformed into a special dancefloor.
A total of 10 teams battled it out for £3,500 worth of prizes over a three-hour rhythm extravaganza, before Maryland-based IMB were announced overall winners after a thrilling routine brought them top of the ‘clapometer’.
A spokesman for the group said: “We can’t believe we won UFest, it was an unbelievable feeling to have our name announced as champions.
“We feel so honoured to have taken part, and so proud to win the first ever London Dance championships.”
The festival climaxed with a memorable concert at a packed Copper Box Arena, with the likes of Naughty Boy, Lady Leshurr, Big Narstie and Fekky performing in front of a 3,000-strong crowd.
Apprentice medical receptionist Adeline Lokombo, of Malmesbury Road, Canning Town, won tickets to the gig – which happened to be on her 18th birthday – through a competition in the Recorder.
“It was really good, I really liked Lady Leshurr,” she said.
“There were so many people there. It was a great birthday and one I’ll definitely remember.”
Developed by The Foundation for FutureLondon and London Legacy Development Corporation in partnership with youth organisation Bigga Fish, the whole weekend was organised and executed by a group of 40 young people aged between 14 and 25.
Bigga Rish education and engagement co-ordinator Ella-Bonai Gordon, 20, was proud of what her team achieved.
“It was absolutely amazing, and just goes to show that young people are able to showcase their talents if they believe in themselves.
“All the credit must go to these young people, they’ve created a legacy.”
An exciting new portrait photography competition was also launched as part of the three-day festival.
Supported by Westfield Stratford City, the contest is using he theme of The Face of Young East London, to encourage young people to take photos of themselves, their friends, or anything they feel inspired by in line with the theme, and submit them via Instagram or Twitter, using the #FOYEL hashtag.
The six-person judging panel will include young people from across east London and a high-profile photography expert, sourced by the University of East London.
All entries must be in by Sunday, December 13.
Visit ufestldn.com for more information.
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