Young Stars Shine Bright at Torbay's All-Youth Music Bash!

TOR-VYBZ, a youth-led grassroots music festival, took place at Princess Gardens in Torbay, Devon, and was designed to give young people a chance to showcase their talents. The festival was organized by a group of young people, including Daisy Lloyd, Jarvis Rohr, and Lewis Jackson, with support from Sound Communities CIC, a social enterprise that works with youth. The event was held on a sunny day by the sea, with a harbour full of boats and a ferris wheel in the background, creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere.

The festival was made possible thanks to funding from Ardonagh Community Trust, Arts Council England, Youth Music, and the National Lottery Community Fund. Forty young people were involved in planning the festival, and twenty-five helped run it on the day. Twenty-seven young musicians from the South West performed, giving them a platform to share their music with the community. The event was also live-streamed, so people who could not attend in person could still enjoy the performances.

Jarvis Rohr, the event creator, said he was proud that the festival was run by young people for their own community. He explained that the idea came from noticing that there were not enough creative opportunities for young people in the area. Lewis Jackson, a singer-songwriter from Paignton, shared how music helps him manage his mental health, especially since he has ADHD and autism. Daisy Lloyd, who worked on the technical team, said being part of the festival made her feel like she belonged. Torbay councillor Jackie Thomas praised the event's fantastic atmosphere and said it gave young performers a chance to shine. Organizers hope to bring the festival back in the summer of 2027, continuing to support young talent in Torbay.