Young People Take Centre Stage at Reimagined Ashington Fair Day

Young people from across Ashington are playing a leading role in shaping this year’s Fair Day celebrations, helping to bring fresh energy, new ideas, and a renewed sense of community spirit to one of the town’s most cherished events.

As part of a new approach to the event, local young people are being given the opportunity to influence the planning and delivery of the day, ensuring their voices are heard and their ideas reflected in the celebrations. To support this, YMCA Northumberland is leading on organising of what we hope will be a vibrant, inclusive event that showcases the creativity, enthusiasm, and potential of the next generation.

At YMCA Northumberland, we are passionate about creating opportunities for young people to contribute positively to their communities. Supporting young people to take ownership of projects like this helps build confidence, develop leadership skills, and demonstrates the valuable role they play in shaping the future of Ashington.

The event will bring together residents, families, community groups, and local organisations in a celebration of everything that makes Ashington special. Throughout the day, visitors can enjoy a range of activities, entertainment, and opportunities to connect with one another, while young people are at the heart of the action.

Giving young people a platform to lead is particularly important during YMCA Northumberland’s 150th anniversary year. For a century and a half, we have worked alongside young people, helping them discover their strengths, develop new skills, and realise their potential. This event perfectly reflects that commitment.

Our youth work is built on the belief that when young people are trusted, supported, and empowered, they can achieve remarkable things. The year’s event will be a testament to that philosophy and highlights what can be achieved when communities invest in their young people.

This year’s celebrations will form part of the Sound Futures Festival, taking place in Ashington on Saturday 22nd August, from 11am to 6pm. The festival will offer a full day of family-friendly entertainment, live music, activities, fairground rides, and opportunities for the community to come together and enjoy a fresh new chapter for Ashington Fair Day.

Visitors can expect a lively and welcoming atmosphere, with something for people of all ages to enjoy. From performances and creative activities to community stalls, entertainment, and youth-led involvement throughout the day, the festival will celebrate local talent, community pride, and the voices of young people who are helping to shape the event.

There will be more announcements to follow as plans continue to develop, so keep an eye on YMCA Northumberland’s social media channels for updates, further details, and exciting news about what to expect on the day.

We are incredibly proud of everyone involved and grateful to the partners, volunteers, and local residents who will help make the day such a success. Most importantly, we want to celebrate the young people whose ideas, enthusiasm, and hard work will help create an event that celebrates not only Ashington’s heritage but also its future.

As we continue to celebrate our 150th anniversary, events like this remind us why our work matters. By creating opportunities for young people to belong, contribute, and thrive, we are helping to build stronger communities and brighter futures for generations to come.