ON Saturday, September 29, more than 5,000 young people are expected to help celebrate one of the final Tyne and Wear events to mark The Queen’s diamond jubilee.

Activate 2012 is a free event being staged at Bents Park in South Shields (11am to 4pm) that looks to encourage young people, between the ages of five and 18, to get involved in youth groups in their area.

The one-day festival hopes that by showcasing the skills and work of regional organisations, it will attract new members to sign up.

The variety of activities on offer during the five-hour spectacular includes BMX stunt bikes, skate boarding, street dancing, Parkour – free running, circus skills, climbing towers, solar gazing, Chinese lion dancing, seven-a-side football, magician shows, face painting, bouncy castles, craft and recycling workshops.

It will be launched by a carnival parade.

The theme allows people to choose a single year from the Queen’s 60-year rule, for example, the World Cup (1966) or the first man on the moon (1969).

There will be a live music and talent event being compered by Metro Radio DJs, Stuart Elmore and Kelly Hinch. This will showcase the performance skills of young people from across Tyne and Wear and entertain the gathered crowds. The showcase will include dancing, marching bands, solo artists and bands.

The youth associations in attendance will include: Birtley Young People’s Project, Calvert Trust Kielder, Clubs for Young People – Northumberland , Durham Clubs for Young People, The Girls’ Brigade, Girl Guiding (Durham North, Durham South and Newcastle), North Tyneside Youth Council, Northumbria and Durham Army Cadet Force, The Scouts Association – Durham and Northumberland, Sea Cadets, SolarLearning, The Urban Games 2012, the YMCA, Young Minds and Youth Voice.

There will also be a wildlife theme running throughout the day with displays of bee keeping, falconry and a presentation by Durham Wildlife Trust and bugsnstuff. The event isn’t solely about attracting the attention of young people but also to generate interest from parents and carers.

  • For further information about getting involved in Activate 2012 go to: youngtyneandwear.org.uk or ring 0191-274-3335 or email info@youngtyneandwear.org.uk