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Youth-led dance festival returns to Jerwood DanceHouse this weekend

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Four young dancers are leading the charge to unite Ipswich's youth through movement and creativity, as they prepare to host the third annual DanceEast YouthFest tomorrow.

The big picture: The free festival at Jerwood DanceHouse reflects a growing movement to put young people at the helm of cultural events, with the organisers bringing fresh perspectives on how to engage their peers through dance.

Why it matters: The event aims to break down barriers around dance, welcoming both experienced performers and those who've never tried it before.

DanceEast Youth Takeover in 2023
The DanceEast Youth Takeover in 2023DanceEast

The details:

  • The festival takes place on Saturday 9 November from 13:00 to 17:00.

  • Activities include yoga, contemporary dance, Bollywood and jazz commercial fusion workshops.

  • The programme features innovative elements like wearable interactive sound sessions where movements generate music.

  • Creative workshops include movement drawing, costume styling and a community art gallery.

DanceEast YouthFest 2024

A free afternoon celebrating dance and movement, organised by young people for young people. No dance experience needed.

  • Performing & Visual Arts
  • 9 November
  • 13:00-17:00
DanceEast Youth Takeover in 2023

Behind the scenes: The festival is being shaped by four young leaders with diverse backgrounds:

  • Millie Powell, a DanceEast Centre for Advanced Training alumna and BA Dance graduate

  • Marni Cady-Heffer, a BA Dance graduate and Boost Bursary recipient

  • Cara Storer, a Fine Art and Art History graduate

  • Faith Foster, an A Level Dance student at Suffolk One

What they're saying: "Being a part of YouthFest has already allowed me to learn so many things such as administrative, planning, and management skills," says Marni Cady-Heffer. "What is amazing about this opportunity is that the festival is run and created by young people."

The bottom line: The organisers hope to create what Millie Powell calls "a greater community of dance lovers" among young people in Ipswich, emphasising that there will be "something for everyone."

Attwells staff outside their Ipswich office

An award-winning local law firm

Rated as "Excellent" on Review Solicitors with an impressive 4.8/5 on Feefo.

Attwells staff outside their Ipswich office

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Computer scientist son of micro-brewery owner first to complete Ipswich pub trail

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Adam Littler, a 23-year-old computer scientist whose parents were brewers, has become the first person to complete both Sip'Swich drinks trails, visiting all 15 venues in just two days.

Why it matters: The Sip'Swich trails, organised by Ipswich Central  in conjunction with Ipswich Borough Council, aim to showcase the town's brilliant selection of pubs and bars to a wider audience, helping people discover new venues they've never visited before.

The big picture: Littler, who moved to Ipswich six months ago, was awarded a limited edition Sip'Swich reusable cup and received a surprise £50 voucher from men's retailer James St. Peter's for being the first to complete both trails.

Mark Hubert of James St. Peters presenting Adam Littler with his voucher
Mark Hubert of James St. Peters presenting Adam Littler with his voucherIpswich Central

What they're saying: "Having moved to Ipswich six months ago and loving a drink with friends, when I saw the trails being promoted in the local paper newsfeed it was right up my street as something to do!" Littler said.

By the numbers: The ambitious pub-goer visited 13 venues on Saturday 8 March before returning to complete the final two a couple of days later. He collected his prize less than a week after the trails launched.

The details: As a computer scientist with brewing in his blood, Littler scored each location on a 1-10 scale rating for enjoyment of the drink, price and atmosphere.

"The Arbor House and Crafty Fox were two venues that I was really impressed with for their friendly and knowledgeable staff plus recommendations they made. The Arbor House was an unexpected gem that I'd go back to, and, the Crafty Fox had a really lovely vibe about it," he said.

To make the challenge more interesting, Littler had a different type of drink in every venue, including wine at Boom Battle Bar, a cocktail at Cosy Club and a spirit at The Black Horse Inn.

Adam Littler sitting in a cafe
Adam Littler was the first to complete the Sip'Swich trailAdam Littler

What's next: Littler plans to do the trail again with another group of friends so his girlfriend can also win a reusable cup. Meanwhile, the trails will run until the end of April or when all prizes have been claimed.

Lee Walker  from Ipswich Central said:

Ipswich is so lucky to have an incredible range of pubs and bars each with their own character and ambience. We devised Sip'Swich as a way of showcasing those places to a wider audience.

The bottom line: Further special prizes will be awarded over the coming weeks, including a voucher for a brewery tour donated by the Briarbank Brewery. Details and trail cards can be downloaded from www.allaboutIpswich.com/sipswich or collected from any of the 15 participating venues.

Attwells staff outside their Ipswich office

An award-winning local law firm

Rated as "Excellent" on Review Solicitors with an impressive 4.8/5 on Feefo.

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