Spirit of Youth celebrates creativity and youth across East Sussex

National and regional organisations have combined to support a unique festival of creative and performing arts for young people in East Sussex.
Headspin directorsHeadspin directors
Headspin directors

The Spirit of Youth – Virtual Arts Festival comes from Hastings-based Headspin Creative Learning.

Spokeswoman Barbara Ward Whitehead said: “Spirit of Youth is an amazing mix of music, art, drama and dance, showcasing the incredible talent of young people in our region. The festival highlights a range of work, inspired by Shakespeare, with performances and showcases from schools, colleges and young creatives across the area.

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“Headlining the festival are contemporary music artists including Blabbermouth, Katie Wren and JAYNE; dance choreographer Ellie Peacock; artists Rosie Richardson and Megan Goodwin; and up and coming actors including, Munro Scott, Emily Cooper, Grace Collett and Harper Jackson. Produced by Headspin Creative Learning with writer and performer Jessie Whitehead, the festival is a powerful celebration of the arts and recognises the importance of creativity and imagination in unprecedented times.

“Performances from over 100 young people aged five to 25 will inspire and captivate audiences and can be viewed at Headspin Creative Learning YouTube Channel:

“The festival is part of an innovative programme Schools Connect which will continue to offer opportunities for imaginative arts engagement for all young people.”

The festival is supported by the Royal Shakespeare Company, Arts Council England, Artswork, Hastings Opportunity Area, HRAEN and Headspin Creative Learning.

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Barbara added: “Headspin is based in Hastings and works with schools, colleges and arts organisations to create innovative educational experiences for young people. We are committed to developing cultural capital in the classroom and beyond, through engagement in the arts. We provide professional coaching for teachers and dynamic projects for young people. Our aim is to develop social and emotional aptitude, building skills for success across the curriculum and for the future.”

Young people involved in the Virtual Arts Festival from five to 25 years old are from the Hastings, St Leonards, Bexhill, Rother and Eastbourne areas and feature artists and performers from a range of educational settings, including Ark Alexandra Academy, Ark 6th Form, Bexhill College, King Offa Primary, Eastbourne College, Robertsbridge Community College, DV8, Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School, 1066 Youth Theatre, University of Liverpool, University of East Anglia and University of Falmouth.

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