Children and young people will be given the opportunity to show off their skills to crowds at a new one-day festival in Wotton-under-Edge this August.
The Long Street Summer Social, which will take place from midday on Saturday, 30 August, in the vibrant market town known as the ‘gateway to the Cotswolds’, is expected to draw thousands of visitors and under-18s are being given unique opportunities to showcase their talents.
The one day community event will feature activities like live music, a kids area, food, drinks, vendors and more, all taking place in the heart of Wotton-under-Edge.
Budding writers, illustrators, bands and DJs are being given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to perform with slots for emerging DJs, a Battle of the Bands, and even the chance for one lucky local young author to have their book published.
Organiser, Fred Hulls, said: “Wotton is such a special place – that punches way above its weight in terms of talent. We wanted to create an event which celebrates not only the community, but gives our younger generation a once in a lifetime opportunity to share their talents with the world.”
The book competition was formed when Fred Hulls, from the Good Food Kitchen and Bar, and award-winning illustrator and artist, Seb Braun, approached local schools to seek out aspiring authors, and entries to have their story turned into a book have begun to ‘flood in’ with the August 15, deadline approaching.
Fred explained: “We’re blown away – entries began to flood in quickly after we spoke to the schools, we’ve had more entries than we could’ve imagined in just a few weeks, and that got us thinking – how can we help other talented youngsters get their foot on the fame ladder? We’ve brought together a panel of experts to help find and nurture that talent ready for a big showcase at the end of August.”
Experts from the entertainment industry who have chosen Wotton-under-Edge as their home have now agreed to take part, forming a panel to seek out the talented young people, and support their creative journey.
Seb Braun added: “It’s been a pleasure seeing the excitement on these young people’s faces when they learn that one of their ideas can be turned into a real book! It’s such an incredible opportunity and I’ve loved being a part of the journey so far.”
Key stage one-aged kids simply need to enter a front cover and key stage two children should enter a cover, and use a Story Mountain to provide the panel an outline for the story.
Solo musicians and local bands will also have a chance to submit entries to perform – by submitting a short video of between 30 seconds and one minute – and DJs can turn up on the day to take part. Visit https://www.wottonsocial.com/competitions/ to enter. Whether interested in sponsorship, volunteering or retail opportunities at the Long Street Summer Social, visit https://www.wottonsocial.com/ to learn more.
