Who better to introduce our Family Area than Victoria: music-lover, mother and the area’s curator since We Out Here began!
5 years in, and ahead of the full programme reveal, Victoria provides an insight into her vision for the area and how our Family offering is developing to cater for the ever-growing families at We Out Here….
“Last year’s family area was a labour of love, driven by my personal experiences as a mother and a music enthusiast. I’ve been to many family spaces within festivals where parents and carers can feel overlooked, juggling the demands of their children while trying to enjoy themselves. That’s why it was crucial to me that the family area felt safe and welcoming, allowing children to explore freely while caregivers could relax without worry. And of course, music is always a vital component, thanks to the incredible Disco Shed crew, who ensure that parents don’t have to compromise on their festival music experience and are never forced to listen to “Baby Shark” in this festival family area.
Looking ahead to this year’s festival, the family programme is evolving to meet the changing needs of our family attendees. We’ve seen a rising number of young people aged 11 to 16 attending the festival with their parents, and it’s essential for us to provide them with an experience that’s enriching and enjoyable. Last year’s festival was a testament to the power of music and community, with performances by the mesmerising Ezra Collective leaving a lasting impact on family attendees. But beyond the music, there was a deeper message—one that resonated with the vision I have for the family area this year.”
“The members of Ezra Collective, a group of young and vibrant musicians, have not only captivated audiences with their music but also served as advocates for the importance of youth clubs in nurturing young talent. They’ve spoken passionately about the role these spaces played in shaping their own musical journey. These spaces, often overlooked, provide fertile ground for creativity and collaboration, offering young people a platform to explore their talents and passions. Inspired by their words and my own youth club I attended as a young person on my estate, I’m committed to creating a space at We Out Here Festival that replicates the magic of these youth clubs—our very own We Out Here Youth Club, a space where young festival-goers can not only enjoy music but also discover and nurture their creativity.
One of our new collaborations this year with The Museum of Youth Culture is a testament to this commitment. Together, we’re bringing exciting new opportunities for young attendees to engage with art, music, and culture in ways that inspire and empower. From interactive workshops to immersive experiences, we’re creating a vibrant environment where young minds can thrive and grow. As the festival evolves, so too does our dedication to fostering the next generation of talent. We believe that by providing young people with the tools and support they need to explore their passions, we can cultivate a community of artists, musicians, and creatives who will shape the future of music and culture.”
“As the area producer, my passion for family inclusion stems from a deep belief in the power of community and lived experience. With three children of my own, I’ve personally witnessed the transformative impact of creating spaces where families can come together and create lasting memories. The We Out Here Festival holds a special place in my heart; it’s not just a festival but a vibrant tapestry and celebration of largely the contributions of artists from the global majority. This feeds in perfectly with the work I do additionally as the director of People Dem Collective, an organisation born out of a lived experience of lack of space, engagement, and inclusion for Black, Brown, and Diaspora communities in Margate. Being able to bring a cohort of artists, creatives, elders, and young people each year has been a great privilege. Witnessing members of the community coming to the festival and feeling a sense of safety and empowerment as they see themselves reflected on the stages fills me with joy.
Moreover, I’m honoured to work alongside incredible Black women who are making waves and driving positive change in our community. Kacherelle, for instance, is doing amazing things within the Talks Tent and as a producer outside of the festival. I’ve long admired her work. Additionally, healing is showing up a lot for me in my own practice and how I show up, so the work DemiMa is nurturing within the festival is really important and evident in the wellbeing programme each year. Music and healing are something that should come together, and it’s beautiful to see it manifest within the festival in various ways. I can’t talk enough about the team behind this festival. They are all great, and while there are many people I could shout out, it’s the collective effort of individuals like Kacherelle and Demima that truly makes working on this project great. Together, we’re fostering an environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.”
“So what have we got in store for you this year? Well, I’m thrilled to introduce some exciting new additions to the family programme. The Moona Sensory Tent will be a calming environment filled with soothing sounds, sensory lights, noise-cancelling headphones, ambient DJ workshops, and much more. This will be a relaxed, no-pressure environment for parents and children to relax, read, and play amidst the family area. Also, I’m super excited to have NYJO back, who will be bringing workshops inspired by Sun Ra and Afrofuturism, led by the talented young musicians of NYJO, again who were inspired by Sun Ra and Ezra Collective last year. Also, we’re thrilled to introduce our new Kids Club, providing parents with a well-deserved break while ensuring their little ones have just as much fun. With something for everyone to look forward to and many more surprises in store, including favourites like Scorcha Skate Club, The Carousel, Disco Shed, and much more, this year’s festival promises an unforgettable experience for all.”
Our full Family programme drops in the coming months…all activities will be free to access, with something for all ages.
And as always, children under 15 go free to We Out Here!
