Young Carer's Festival prepares for third annual event

The Wales Young Carers’ Festival is preparing to host record numbers in its third year.

This year Wales Young Carers’ Festival will see 350 young carers aged 11 to 18 attend from all over Wales.

The event – which features a wide range of activities from graffiti art and music production, to inflatables, cinema experience, and silent disco – starts today (Tuesday 20) and runs until Thursday.

Melanie Rees, from the charity Credu, is the co-ordinator for the Wales Young Carers’ Festival. She said the event is a "unique opportunity for young carers to take a much-needed break from caring and receive the recognition they deserve for all their hard work."

Rees added: "Everything from camping arrangements to activities, entertainment, and food and drink is provided, ensuring that young carers can fully enjoy themselves without any financial worries.

"We are proud of what has been achieved by the festival to date and we look forward to building on this success for years to come."

Thomas Ashwell-Lewis has been a young carer for 11 years, supporting his mum to care for his sister who has cerebral palsy.

The 17 year old, from Monmouthshire, said he had loved each of the previous two festivals and was looking forward to returning as a trainee youth worker this year.

He said that the activities on offer have helped him build confidence and develop leadership skills.