Young Carers Festival 2025 – A festival to remember!

14 July 2025

At the end of June, 25 young carers from South Somerset and Mendip took part in a memorable weekend at the 25th annual Young Carers Festival, held at YMCA Fairthorne Manor in Hampshire.

They joined more than 1,500 young carers from across the UK for three days of fun, relaxation, and celebration.

Supported by a team of 6 dedicated staff, the group set off on a coach from Street Youth Club, making a quick stop at Podimore Services to pick up additional attendees from the South Somerset area. Spirits were high as the group made their way to the site, ready for an action-packed, sun-drenched weekend.

Upon arrival, the festival atmosphere was electric. The young carers were greeted with a packed schedule of activities and entertainment, ranging from samba parades and laser and firework displays to music, dancing, and more. Festival-goers enjoyed a huge variety of experiences, including yoga sessions, fairground rides, arts and crafts, festival-themed hair and nails, a science dome, pizza making, and water sports such as paddleboarding and KataKanuing.

The fairground rides in particular proved a major hit with the young carers, many of whom returned for multiple turns throughout the weekend.

Food was never far away, with food trucks, a canteen, café, and tuck shop providing plenty of options to refuel. After setting up tents and rolling out sleeping bags, the group quickly settled in, eager to make the most of every opportunity. Many reconnected with old friends or made new ones as they explored the site and tried new experiences together.

A highlight of the weekend was Saturday night, when young carers danced into the evening at a DJ and live band set. They took the opportunity to get their festival T-shirts signed by as many people as possible – a great way to remember the weekend and the community of people who attended.

Beyond the entertainment and activities, the festival offered an important chance for young carers to take a break, connect with peers who share similar experiences, and simply enjoy being young. Many of these young people shoulder significant responsibilities at home and have little opportunity to socialise and have fun with as much freedom as they do at the festival.

Mark Willcox, Director of Youth and Community, also attended the event, saying “I was impressed with the way the young carers got stuck in and were helping each other, and how some of them were looking out for other in the group so that they were included and not left out. The young carers festival was an amazing experience for all of us and to celebrate these incredible wonderful young people that often have to carry way more than they should in life. It is a privilege that we can work with them.”

By Sunday morning, it was time to pack down and head home. Though a little tired and sun-soaked, the group left with lasting memories, new friendships, and a renewed sense of community.

The return journey saw plenty of laughter and storytelling, as well as a well-earned rest. Many of the young carers said they were already looking forward to the next festival.

For the staff and youth workers involved, the weekend was not just a celebration, but a reminder of the resilience, joy, and strength these young people bring to their communities every day.