For Young People, By Young People
Launched in 2021, YouthFest is DanceEast’s annual festival for young people aged 14 to 25. The event brings together our commitment to youth voice, creativity, and opportunity, creating a space where young people can actively shape the cultural landscape of Ipswich and Suffolk.
YouthFest exists to build cultural capital and foster a thriving community of young artists, audiences, producers, and future cultural leaders. By championing creativity, collaboration, and self-expression, the festival empowers young people to take ownership of their cultural experiences and futures.
This year’s festival takes place on Saturday 17 October, from 11.00am to 4.00pm, at the Jerwood DanceHouse.
"Accessibility to the arts will save generations."
YouthFest Artist
Supporting Creative Futures
YouthFest is unlike any other event in the region. It is a platform where young people lead decision-making and help create an experience that reflects their interests, ambitions, and needs.
Placing young voices at its centre, YouthFest creates meaningful opportunities for learning, leadership, and cultural engagement that continue long after the day itself. Creative engagement improves young people’s attainment and cognitive abilities (Cultural Learning Alliance) and supports them to function well in life; develop emotional and social wellbeing; experience increased autonomy and self-esteem (UCL Social Behavioural Research Group).
"Community is important in places like Ipswich. Events like this are vital for bringing people together and for allowing those people to build new connections – and to be paid."
YouthFest Artist
Behind the Scenes: Young Producers in Action
YouthFest is built over six months by a team of six Young Producers aged 16 to 25, who play a key role in designing and delivering the festival.
Through a comprehensive training programme, the Young Producers work alongside DanceEast staff and industry professionals to develop practical skills in festival production, administration, marketing and communications, community engagement, and programming.
Supported by ongoing mentoring from a senior Participation Producer, they are encouraged to test new ideas, build confidence, and take the lead on real projects. The result is a unique and valuable work experience opportunity that equips young people with transferable skills and firsthand insight into careers in the cultural sector.
"Young people need more platforms like YouthFest to create meaningful experiences for young people so they can discover new passions, be inspired by fellow artists and be empowered to continue to create and share, strengthening the creative community in the East of England, one that is full of talented people!"
Young Producer
What Can You Expect at YouthFest?
For one day, the Jerwood DanceHouse is transformed into a vibrant hub of dance, movement, creativity, and discovery.
YouthFest celebrates a wide range of dance styles and creative activities while shining a light on the many career pathways available within the arts and cultural sector. The festival also provides a platform to celebrate the talent, energy, and creativity of local young people.
Last year’s programme featured:
- Dance workshops exploring a variety of styles
- Interactive dance and technology experiences
- Drawing and craft activities
- A DJ and dancefloor
- Yoga and wellbeing sessions
For many attendees, YouthFest marked their very first visit to the Jerwood DanceHouse and their first experience of dance.
Will you be joining us this year?
Keep an eye on our socials, the full programme will be announced soon!
With thanks
We’re grateful to both The Linbury Trust and The Hays Travel Foundation for their support towards making YouthFest 2026 possible.
Join us at YouthFest
Register your interest and learn more about YouthFest
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