Annie Ashford-Barden, CAP's Regional Adviser for the South West of England shares her highlights from CAPFEST 2027 in Plymouth this summer.

‍

More than 100 young people came together at Plymouth’s Tinside Lido for CAPFEST, an end-of-summer event offering swimming, music, food and a chance to spend time with friends.

‍

The event was part of a programme of summer activities supported by Plymouth CAP, designed to give young people positive things to do and places to go during the school holidays.

‍

CAPFEST attracted 105 young people for an extended two-and-a-half-hour swimming session, with music and food helping to create a relaxed, sociable atmosphere. Young people came with friends, met people from other schools and groups and enjoyed being active together.

‍

Importantly, the sessions were free, removing a potential barrier for families at a time of year when the costs of keeping children entertained can quickly mount up.

‍

One parent of an 11 and 15-year-old said: “The fact that the session was free made a huge difference, especially during the school holidays when costs can quickly add up. We'd definitely like to see more opportunities like this.”

‍

Another parent described how the sessions had helped their 14-year-old daughter, who can find it difficult to join activities independently: “The welcoming nature of the Tinside sessions really helped her come out of her shell. She met new people, gained confidence in the water and loved the music that was played throughout the event.”

‍

Young people were equally enthusiastic. One described it as “something good to do in the holidays instead of staying at home”, while another said: “I liked that people from different schools and groups mixed together and got on well.”

‍

One friendship group, aged 14–16, attended throughout the summer: “We all came together each week and had a great time. The swimming was fun, the music at swim fest was good and everyone felt welcome. We'd love more events like this next summer.”

‍

More than just swimming

On Friday evenings, the team also supported young people attending CAP activities on Plymouth Hoe.

‍

Young people had the opportunity to try DJ workshops and pad-work boxing sessions, giving them the chance to learn new skills and try something different. Youth workers were there throughout the evenings to talk to young people, offer support and provide free drinks to help everyone stay hydrated during the warm summer weather.

‍

Together, the activities provided young people with safe, supervised spaces where they could spend time with friends, meet new people, be active and enjoy themselves.

‍

For parents, that mattered too. As one said: “Knowing there was a safe, supervised place for young people to spend time during the summer holidays gave me real peace of mind.”

‍

CAPFEST showed what can happen when young people are given accessible activities that they genuinely want to take part in: 105 young people turning up, getting involved and ending the summer together on a high.