Arts festival made young people proud to live in town

Signal Festival was organised by six teenagers from Swindon

A two-week arts festival has made young people proud to live in a Wiltshire town

Six teenagers organised Swindon's Signal Festival, which was designed to help people aged 11 to 25 to take up artistic careers.

More than 70 workshops and performances have taken place, including how to write a podcast or perform the best TikTok dances.

Nyree Hale, participation officer at Prime Theatre Swindon, said the festival has made her "proud" of where she lives.

She said growing up in Swindon, there was "always this feeling of you're not going to stay here because there was not really enough to do".

"I'm now proud to say I'm from this town and excited because it's fertile ground," she said.

Nyree Hale said the festival makes her feel proud to live in Swindon

Organised by six young people in six months, festival producers said they would have benefitted from events like these when they were young.

"There's a lot of opportunities for hobbies in the arts in Swindon," said Erin Fletcher, festival producer.

But Ms Fletcher said it can be difficult for young people to progress.

"You have to be really self-starting to do it and to find those routes and avenues for yourself," she added.

Arlo Carter, festival producer and screen actor, said he felt there was "a gap".

"I went to a youth group and it was lovely and it was fun.

"But then you get to a certain age where if you do want to take it into a profession, the immediate thing is 'well leave Swindon'.

"And so everybody does," he added.

Erin Fletcher said it can be hard for young people in Swindon to progress in the arts

Supported by a local arts charity Prime Theatre and the Arts Council, the group organised about 70 events and workshops between 22 July to 3 August.

These included how to design digital games, creating media make-up and directing a film.

Organisers have said they wished they had access to a festival like this when they were younger.

Mr Carter said the workshops have helped "spark" ideas in young people about their future career opportunities.