The Up to YOU(th) Festival returns!

The Cyprus Youth Board is organizing the “Up To YOU(th)” festival for the 8th consecutive year and invites everyone to experience an exciting event on Saturday, September 28th at 17:00 at Acropolis Park in Nicosia. This major youth celebration features a rich program of activities that will satisfy both young and old.

This year is particularly significant for the Youth Board of Cyprus (ONEK) as it marks 30 years of operation and dedication to supporting and empowering young people.

“Up To YOU(th)” is co-organized with IDEP and is held as part of the National Year of Youth.

The festival returns more refreshed and inclusive than ever, offering facilities for accessibility for people with disabilities. It also features activities such as a basketball game in collaboration with the Special Olympics. Additionally, sign language interpretation will be provided for both the main events and the guided tours, along with the installation of signage for those with visual impairments, enhancing the voices of people with disabilities and ensuring equal participation for all.

This year’s festival aims to be the perfect opportunity for young people interested in actively engaging in issues that concern them, such as the environment, human rights, culture, volunteering, and more. The well-established NGO Fair is co-organized with the NGO Support Centre and the Cyprus Youth Council, featuring the dynamic participation of over 70 NGOs and other organizations.

Through the Human Talks initiative, different individuals have the opportunity to share their unique stories and experiences in one-on-one conversations on topics such as sexual orientation, disabilities, religion, nationality, and many others, with the goal of eliminating any prejudices that may exist towards any group.

At the “Up To YOU(th)” festival, young people will also have the chance to immerse themselves in the world of technology through interactive virtual reality applications and robotic battles, in an environment curated by educational institutions and organizations such as Frederick University, European University, Cyprus Computer Society, and Pascal International School.

Through the Tech Fair, visitors to the “Up To YOU(th)” festival will get to know ONEK’s innovative Youth Makerspace program and witness impressive programming and technology demonstrations. Simultaneously, the GEEKMANIA exhibition will showcase amazing exhibits including retro games, comics, artists, collectible figures, and rare statues.

Another exciting activity awaiting festival-goers at “Up To YOU(th)” is the science experiments presented by the organization “Sci-Co Cyprus,” where anyone interested can participate.

The public will also have the opportunity to watch short films by local creators, presented once again by the GeekOtopos Collaborative Hive. Additionally, for the first time, the QUEER WAVE festival will be hosted as part of the screenings under the theme “Cyprus Queer Cinema.”

Addressing the issue of mental health, which concerns many young people, the Cyprus Youth Council will present the MythBusters Quiz as part of “Up To YOU(th),” asking the audience to identify truths and myths about mental health.

As part of the “Open Discussions” segment, young people will have the chance to participate in interactive workshops organized once again by “Up To YOU(th).” These workshops will explore topics that concern them, such as the environment, inclusion, employment, mental health, and hate speech.

For those interested in exploring the world of podcasting, this year’s “Up To YOU(th)” festival offers a unique masterclass by the creators of Cyprus’ most popular podcast, “ΙστοριΚων” (aka “HistoriCon”). At CaveCast, participants will have the opportunity to interact with the podcast creators, ask questions, and receive valuable advice on how to create their own podcast.

The festival will also feature a variety of activities for our young friends, including singing, dancing, and painting in a specially designed children’s corner.

Attendees of “Up To YOU(th)” will also have the opportunity to receive useful tips on better communication with their pets, while the Simba Animal Aid shelter will offer those interested the chance to adopt a dog, providing love and care.

The Girl Guides Association of Cyprus will participate in the festival with a special treasure hunt, while the Scouts will be there too, presenting various activities.

Aiming to highlight the diversity of ideas and the value of free expression, Graphic Stories will be at the festival, inviting young people to a postcard creation workshop themed “Freedom of Expression.”

No youth festival would be complete without dance and music! The “Up To YOU(th)” stage will be filled with rhythms and melodies from talented artists who will create a unique atmosphere. Singer-songwriter Alexis Sunder will present a fresh and retro sound with his live band “Sundercats,” offering a program filled with dance vibes and positive energy, blending elements of soul, funk, and pop rock. The band “On Tour,” which has been making waves on the island’s live music scene since 2017 with original music and distinctive covers, will also energize the crowd with their performance. Additionally, two student bands from the Musicopolis Conservatory will perform on the festival stage.

The 8th “Up To YOU(th)” Festival is part of the Cyprus Youth Board’s goal to inspire greater participation and active involvement of more young people in public affairs.