Galway City Council is excited to announce the continuation of Youth Lates in 2025! This pilot program, designed by young people for young people, is back with more opportunities to shape, enhance, and participate in Galway's vibrant night-time scene. Find out more here...
The Youth Lates initiative stemmed from consultations with youth groups during the development of Galway City Council's Night-Time Economy Action Plan and the positive outcomes of the "Beats and Beyond" DJ workshop series held during Cruinniú Lates 2024. This initial success demonstrated a clear interest among young people in engaging with music, performance and other opportunities within Galway's night-time economy (NTE).
"The 2024 Youth Lates pilot program was a resounding success! We offered a diverse range of activities for ages 12 – 16 and 16 –19, from live music performances and open mic nights to crafty cafés and Dungeons and Dragons sessions. The level of engagement was truly impressive, with all events fully booked. This overwhelming response demonstrates the strong demand for youth-centric activities within Galway's night-time economy and highlights the importance of providing safe and creative spaces for young people to connect and express themselves", said Galway City Council Night-TIme Economy Advisor Kate Howard.
Youth Lates returns this February and runs until April, with a special Youth Lates event at Cruinniú na nÓg, Ireland's National Day of Creativity for Young People, in June. The program resumes in September and continues through November.
Get Involved!
Are you aged between 16–19? Are you a songwriter, musician, aspiring DJ, or in a band? Would you like the opportunity to perform in a safe youth-friendly space and meet other talented and like-minded young people? To sign up, visit www.galwayartscentre.ie/whats-on. Galway City Council will announce additional youth events and opportunities throughout 2025.
Developing Young Talent
Youth Lates partner Music Generation Galway City is also piloting a new initiative providing rehearsal space and time for young bands at Galway Community College on Monday evenings. The bands will also receive mentorship from professional musicians and opportunities to perform at events. This initiative will not only support young musicians in their development, but also allow them to refine their sets before potentially participating in the Youth Lates live music program in 2025
Mix It Up! DJ Programme: Building on the success of the Cruinniú Lates DJ mentorship program "Beats & Beyond," Music Generation Galway City has launched "Mix It Up!" This 12-week program, led by renowned DJ Laura O'Connell, provides a fun and collaborative environment for young people to explore the art of DJing. It offers a clear progression pathway for aspiring DJs who participated in Galway City Council's NTE programming and development initiatives.
Youth Lates is part of the Galway City Council Night-Time Economy Action Plan, offering exciting and inclusive events for young people. The initiative is in partnership with Galway City Council Creative Ireland Programme, Music Generation Galway City, Galway City Comhairle na nÓg, Youth Work Ireland Galway, and Galway Arts Centre | Nuns Island Theatre.
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