Crowds gathered in the town’s Market Place last weekend to enjoy dancing, drama, art and music as young people found their voice in the first Respect fun day.
The event was organised by The Gallery Youth Project, based in Bondgate Within, to raise awareness of teenage issues and recognise youngsters’ wide range of talents.
Initially the group had been approached by Alnwick District Council and the Northumberland Strategic Partnership to set up a youth consultation session, but members decided performance was the best way to show their feelings.
Project manager Ian McRae said: “The idea came from young people who wanted to showcase things they do.
“They sometimes feel that people don’t respect them for what they do and who they are and this is one way of showing what they feel and saying ‘respect us’.
“A lot of people have pulled together and a lot of young people have worked really hard to make this happen.”
The event included a mix of activities for youngsters to try, with graffiti art, skate ramps and a stage set up for them to strut their stuff, while a Big Brother-style diary room was created in Northumberland Hall for teenagers and adults alike to record their views on the youth of today.
The chamber also acted as a rehearsal room, information point and viewing gallery for a DVD produced by The Gallery members.
Youth Information and Development Worker Rachel Noble said: “We were originally asked to do a consultation event, but why do another one of them when we have done so many before? Instead we decided to celebrate what young people are about.
“We did our own consultation last month and out of that came ideas for graffiti art, bands, dance and drama so we got instructors in to work with the young people.
“It has been excellent, although it’s a shame there wasn’t more adults coming along to have a look. Everyone is happy with the way the event has gone and there has been a good feeling around the place.”
The Gallery was set up in 1996 to provide activities and support for 13 to 19-year-olds in a relaxed, informal environment.
It currently offers a NOW Youth Information Point, Drop In facility, school holiday activity programmes, access to youth workers, advice services and a supported housing scheme.
Members can take part in trips, health sessions, band rehearsals, dance nights and single sex programmes to help their personal development.
For further information about its work, call into Alnwick Young People’s Association at the rear of 39 Bondgate Within, Alnwick, or telephone 01665 605846.