A three-day festival giving North Ayrshire’s young people a chance to let their hair down and have some fun was held last week.

Around 100 youngsters aged 12-25 descended on Eglinton Park for the first-ever North Ayrshire Youth Festival to camp out under the stars, listen to great live music and take part in jam-packed days of fun – in true festival style.

The event was organised by the council’s Youth Services team, following consultation with local young people who said they would love to have an opportunity to attend a big festival, but one which their parents or carers would let them go to.

The team quickly got to work and called on their partners for support including Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue, St. John’s Ambulance, Health and Social Care Partnership and the Alcohol and Drug Partnership.

The local Youth Forums also got involved and tasked themselves with the job of raising funds so they could pull out all the stops and make the event a huge success. Activities included a total wipe-out obstacle course, human table football, laser quest, glitter face art, foam party, silent disco, photo booth, treasure hunt, colour dash and spooky midnight walks – to name a few.

But it wasn’t all just fun.

Each day the youngsters were invited to take part in a number of workshops themed on key issues affecting their age group.

Topics up for discussion included ‘No Knives, Better Lives’, mental health and wellbeing and alcohol and drug use.

Sarah Doherty, 16, said: “The Youth Festival has honestly been one of the best experiences ever!

“I’ve met so many new friends, done so many new things and had so much fun – it’s been three days I definitely won’t forget in a hurry. It’s not very often young people get opportunities like these, so I think I speak on behalf of everyone who’s taken part when I say thanks to the team for making the festival so special and exciting for us all.

“The stand out moment for me was seeing Dogtooth playing live – they were just incredible. There hasn’t been a single thing I haven’t enjoyed.”

Councillor Louise McPhater said: “We are absolutely delighted with the turnout and result of our first youth festival.”