In the lives of young carers in the UK, there is a continual cycle of adult responsibilities and social isolation. However, the Young Carers Festival provides a welcomed break from their regular duties, offering a chance to experience the simple pleasures of being a child.
While many in the UK look forward to the Glastonbury festival that happens during the last weekend of June, young carers eagerly anticipate a different annual event. The Young Carers Festival in Hampshire is a unique weekend gathering held exclusively for children aged 11 to 17 who bear caring responsibilities.
This important festival is run by the YMCA Fairthorne Group, in collaboration with The Children’s Society. For the young attendees, it provides an invaluable retreat from their daily obligations. The number of young carers in the UK, defined as individuals aged five to 18 who care for a loved one, seems to vary quite a bit, with estimates ranging from about 120,000 to significantly more according to different surveys.
Despite their significant numbers, young carers in the UK often go unnoticed by society. As Annie Jones, a former participant of the festival, puts it, they perform their duties unpaid and without solicitation, and often, their efforts are quietly swept under the rug. The Young Carers Festival, held over three days at the YMCA Fairthorne Manor, an outdoor activity centre in Hampshire, offers these young individuals a chance to momentarily put their lives on hold and just be children.
At this festival, the children get to enjoy the company of other young carers, make new friends, and participate in various activities. Whether it is kayaking, dancing, hair braiding, or visiting the farm animals, the festival presents a rare opportunity for them to let loose and have fun. The Young Carers Festival, or YCF as the children call it, has experienced fluctuating attendance over the years – from 1,500 attendees at its inception to just half that number in 2025 due to funding constraints. However, it remains the largest gathering of young carers globally.
The memories and experiences from the YCF are not forgotten easily. Whether they are teenagers attending mental health workshops, interacting with organisations assisting young carers, or simply enjoying a moment of relaxation in the chill-out zone, the festival leaves its mark. It also serves as a wake-up call for some, like Angel Brown, who only realised the number of people in her situation after attending the festival.
Despite the festival’s benefits, challenges such as the cost of tickets and transportation expenses have made it difficult for some attendees. Even though attempts have been made to keep the ticket prices low and offer grants, many young carers still find it difficult to attend due to budget cuts and closures of young carers groups by councils.
Despite these challenges, the festival remains a beacon of hope and a source of cherished memories for the attendees. Former attendees like Jones and Brown, who have personally experienced the festival’s benefits, now volunteer at the event. Their continued support is a testament to the festival’s impact on the lives of young carers, providing them with a much-needed respite and a chance to just be kids.
The Young Carers Festival is a truly special event, embodying an atmosphere of camaraderie and support that can’t be easily described. For a weekend, the young carers can shed their responsibilities and simply enjoy themselves – a priceless experience that reaffirms the festival’s significance and importance.
