Offaly’s first virtual youth festival - designed to celebrate and support young people aged between 16 and 24, kicked off on 17th June at 2pm. The event was hosted by Offaly Local Development Company in a bid to support young people as they emerge from Covid 19 restrictions. This has been a particularly difficult time for young people who have faced many challenges and some of whom are struggling with getting back to normality.
The virtual space was transformed into a ‘festival’ themed event with a central hub adorned with flags and bunting, a live music area, a wellbeing space and a stage area for the guest speakers. Attendees could move around freely - listen to music, chat to each other, enjoy some wellbeing advice, join and interact with the guest speakers on the main stage.
Momentum 2021 addressed the important topics of resilience and wellbeing, with inspirational guest speakers that included: Peter Dooley of Leinster and Ireland Rugby, Lauren Cleare of Rebeluna Cosmetics, Ger Hough, JJ Hough’s Singing Pub and Susan Earner, Offaly Senior Camogie Manager. Honest discussions and humorous chat took place on the main stage, as each of the speakers shared their life stories and tips on how they have coped with the challenges within their own lives and as well as the challenges of recent restrictions. Each spoke about their coping mechanisms and how they are staying positive for the future.
Three very special up and coming singers and songwriters joined the festival event. Shinrone based singer, songwriter and multi - instrumentalist Lauran Beth was first on stage, playing live some of her cover tracks and as well as her own original song, Just Breathe, Baby.
Shane Gorry shared his own personal life story and how he has overcome addiction and found music during his recovery. Guests were treated to Shanes newest rap Day by Day (Shane G Music)
Tullamore based freestyle rap artist and songwriter Rio Osumah treated all there to his rap exclusively written for Momentum 2021 called COVID -19.
Offaly Local Development Company would like to take this opportunity to thank all our speakers, musicians and songwriters who made this event the success it was. We must also thank most sincerely the young people who attended the event and got involved - events like this are about them.
We will be following up directly with all the participants to check in for their feedback on the event and what follow ups they would like to see happening as a result of the open and honest discussions that took place.
