About Us
The Wales YC Festival is an incredible event that celebrates the amazing work of young carers in Wales. Thanks to the generous funding from the Welsh Government, this festival is completely free for attendees. It’s heartwarming to see the recognition given to these young carers for their dedication and hard work.
Every August, the festival takes place at the Builth Wells Showground, creating a three-day, two-night experience filled with excitement. One of the great things about this event is that it’s a cash-free zone. Everything from camping arrangements to activities, entertainment, and even food and drink is provided, ensuring that young carers can fully enjoy themselves without any financial worries.
The primary purpose of the festival is to give these young carers a well-deserved break from their caring responsibilities. It’s a chance for them to have fun, relax, and make new friends who understand their unique experiences. During the daytime, there are a variety of creative workshops available, such as silver jewellery making, graffiti art, circus skills, and music production. The festival also features a massive shed filled with exciting inflatables like bouncy castles, gladiator duels, sumo suits, and even rodeo sheep!
When the sun sets, the evening entertainment begins. Attendees can enjoy a cinema experience, karaoke, bingo, a silent disco, and DJs spinning tunes that will get everyone dancing. The disco itself is a sight to behold, with lasers and a smoke machine creating a vibrant and energetic atmosphere.
If interested in attending the festival, you should reach out to you local carers team. All referrals for the festival are made through these teams, ensuring that the event is accessible to those who benefit from it the most.
Meet Our Peer Mentors
A peer mentor is an experienced young person who has previously been a young carer and now supports others in similar situations. At the Wales Young Carers Festival, peer mentors play a crucial role in providing guidance, advice, and emotional support to young carers attending the event. They help to create a safe and welcoming environment where young carers can share their experiences, build friendships, and learn new skills.
Peer mentors are there to listen, offer encouragement, and help young carers navigate the challenges they face, both during the festival and beyond. By sharing their own experiences, peer mentors inspire confidence and resilience, helping young carers to feel understood and empowered. They also assist in organising activities and workshops, ensuring that everyone has a positive and enriching experience at the festival.
FESTIVAL INFORMATION
Daytime Activities – These run Tuesday from 2-5.30pm and Wednesday 9.30am-12.30pm and 2-5.30pm (unless otherwise specified) Evening Activities – These are from 7.30pm-10.30pm Tuesday and Wednesday.
Meals – All meals are served in Hafod a Hendre rooms 2, 3 & 4 orange zones:
Breakfast 8-9.30am | Lunch 12.30-2pm | Dinner 5.30-7pm
Snack Van – Both days between 3pm-5.30pm there is a snack van in front of Hafod a Hendre which you will be given vouchers for upon arrival.
Pizza – Each evening between 7.30pm – 9.30pm you can get a free slice of pizza from the wood-fired pizza oven situated in front of the funky craft zone.
Wellbeing – If you feel unwell or have an accident, please inform a staff member and go to the First Aid station in Hafod a Hendre Room 5 where the St John’s ambulance staff will look after you.
Chillout – If you just need ‘time out’ there is a chillout tent at the rear of Hafod a Hendre. Staff and YAC peer mentors (in green festival t-shirts) are on site as buddies if you need someone to talk to.
Phone charging is in Hafod a Hendre Room 1 (please remember your charger)
Smoking & Vaping is only permitted in the designated smoking area (please see map) and only for those aged over 16.
Fire – In the unlikely event of a fire, the meeting point is next to the Cattle Shed (staff will help direct you).
WiFi – The code for Hafod a Hendre is 19stock80.
Ground Rules – Please follow these and keep everyone’s health & safety in mind and stay within the festival boundaries at all times.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
We will be taking photos and making a video during the festival to help promote the event and help gain future funding. You will also have access to this when it is edited and your project staff will send you the links. (If you don’t wish to participate in this, please let a member of staff know upon your arrival)
In Hafod a Hendre Room 1 there are information stands including one where YAC peer mentors are situated. There are lots of opportunities to give your views and feedback – we really value this!
Also, at the end of the festival please complete the evaluation form as this will help us shape the events going forward and your feedback is important. In the new fundky craft area (between the toilet block and Hafod a Hendre) there is face painting and body glitter, and a Photobooth with props (vouchers for this will be given when you arrive)
And last but by no means least… A big THANK YOU!!! to Welsh Government, the Waterloo Foundation and Castell Howell who help fund the festival and to all the wonderful staff and volunteers who help to make this event possible!
Frequently Asked Questions
The Young Carers Festival is an annual event dedicated to celebrating and supporting young carers across Wales. It provides a fun and inclusive space for young carers to connect, have fun, and take a break from their caring responsibilities.
The festival is specifically for young carers aged 11 to 18 years old. It is open to young carers from all over Wales, and they can attend with their local organisations or agencies.
No, the Young Carers Festival is free for young carers. The festival is made possible through the support of various organizations and sponsors.
The festival offers a wide range of activities, including outdoor games, arts and crafts, live performances, workshops, and sports. There are also opportunities to connect with other young carers and share experiences.
Yes, you are welcome to bring your own snacks to the festival. However, there will also be food vendors and catering options available onsite
Yes, there are power outlets available on-site at the Young Carers Festival. You can charge your devices and stay connected throughout the event!
Yes, there is Wi-Fi available on-site at the Young Carers Festival, specifically in the main building. You’ll be able to stay connected and share your experiences with others!