Godiva Festival Bring the Noise Stage and Youth Network Zone

Coventry Youth Network Zone great success at Coventry Godiva Festival!

The good weather of August Bank Holiday weekend drew in the crowds and nowhere more so than at the Youth Network Zone, aptly named by a steering group of young people and youth work organisations, part of Coventry Youth Partnership, committed to keeping youth work on offer to young people in Coventry.

The three days involved nine partners offering activities to young people and families in the zone as well as musical performances by young people, some of whom are now well established through working with Media Mania who co-organised the event. Partners there included: Valley House, NHS, Grapevine, the Children’s Society, Prism, Imagineer Productions, Wild Earth, CRASAC as well as Media Mania.

Dave Mills, founder of Media Mania, said of the event: “It’s the best Godiva we have had for young people, the new format worked really well and there was a great atmosphere and vibe. Great young talent on show in the 20 acts who appeared on Friday night and Saturday.”

With 20 acts on Saturday the Youth Network Zone often had as many in the audience as the main stage! Workshops on Sunday included live graffiti, pottery, Samba drumming, a live electronic music workshop.

Young people not only helped to develop the concept of the Zone, they helped put it together, in particular with support to sound and lighting for the performance element and photography.

With the success of the Youth Network Zone this year, it is pleasing to know that there is funding available for at least another two years at the Godiva Festival.

Thanks to Youth Music and the Coventry City Council Transition fund, for funding the Youth Network Zone and the Bring the Noise Stage.