A festival organised by young people celebrating the heritage of our local area proved a big hit with Lancaster Christmas shoppers.
The Heritage Market Festival took place on Sunday December 17 in Market Square, Lancaster.
The event was organised by Lancaster youth charity Escape2Make and showcased the work of local 11-18 year olds, which was all linked in some way to our local history.
There was a live music stage, as well as many gift stalls, a cinema, a Virtual Reality experience and street theatre.
Families, friends, and Christmas shoppers alike revelled in the vibrant atmosphere and the event was busy all day long.
Urszula, a young participant of the Pottery Maker programme and co-host for the big day said: “I loved it!
"I got to make loads of new friends. Everyone was so nice. We got to create pots, beads, Christmas decorations, the variety was so great.
"Seeing somebody wanting to buy something I made, it just makes my heart so happy because they have a part of me now with them and they can look at it and be like 'Wow, that's such a beautiful thing'.
"Everyone today has still been so enthusiastic. If you want to try Escape2Make for yourself, don’t even think about it, just do it. Everybody is just so welcoming and I now have a new skill that I love!”
The event was supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
“It is very inspiring to know that this project has worked with local young people to plan and deliver a wonderful event that celebrates the rich heritage of the North West of England," said Helen Featherstone, Director, England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
"We know that heritage can play a huge role in bringing people together and furthering a sense of pride in local communities; in turn boosting the local economy. This project is a perfect example.
"A huge thanks to National Lottery players for making projects like this happen!”
The festival was also held in collaboration with Lancaster City Museums to mark their 100th birthday.
“I think the day has gone brilliantly," said Sally Elton-Chalcraft, Professor of Social Justice in Education at University of Cumbria.
"I think it's exceeded expectations, and I was struck by the professionalism of the whole setup; the stalls, the performances, the music.
Bill Kistler, chair of Escape2Make, said: “It has been an extraordinary day, and I'm so impressed by the engagement we've had, not just the parents, not just the young people, but the community itself, who've had the chance to see Escape2Make in action and seen the incredible calibre of the work the young people have done.”
As part of the Heritage Market Festival, Beyond Radio ran a series of workshops called 'Podcast our Past' and helped youngsters become roving reporters for the day, with their interviews airing on Beyond Radio!
Read more: Young people become Beyond Radio presenters for the day at Heritage Market Festival - Beyond Radio
Escape2Make encourages young people inspired by the event to join their ongoing clubs.
These clubs provide a platform for continued creativity, belonging, and purpose, allowing participants to further explore and develop their passions.
Escape2Make was founded by Jenny Natusch in 2018 with the aim of creating kind, welcoming and safe spaces that allow 11-18s to escape and make things, make friends and make a difference.
Activities are free for all participants to ensure the most diverse participation. The charity host ongoing clubs as well as curating annual events such as festivals, cabarets and heritage markets.
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