Care leavers enjoy unforgettable weekend at festival

Young care leavers from Wolverhampton enjoyed an unforgettable weekend at this year's Leeds Festival thanks to the city's Care Leaver Covenant and Central Fusion.

The City of Wolverhampton Council's Reach Leaving Care team was gifted free tickets to the festival, enabling six care leavers and four of their guests to enjoy an unforgettable weekend of music, connection, and empowerment.

Originally offered as standard weekend camping tickets, their experience was significantly enhanced by Central Fusion, the organisation behind the Festival, going above and beyond to ensure the comfort and wellbeing of the young attendees by providing pre-pitched tents, camping mattresses, pillows, sleeping bags, toiletries kits, and food and drink vouchers.

They were also given the opportunity to collaborate with a professional videographer and content creation team, with footage being compiled into a video for the Director of Leeds Festival showcasing the positive impact of the initiative and paving the way for future opportunities.

Councillor Jacqui Coogan, Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Education, said: "This opportunity wasn’t just about music – it was about belonging, confidence, and having a great time.

"On behalf of the Reach Leaving Care team, I'd like to say a big thank you to the Care Leaver Covenant and Central Fusion for their generosity, hospitality, and thoughtful support. Most importantly, I'd like to commend the young people who attended for their kindness, respect, and positivity – they made the experience truly special for everyone involved."

One young care leaver said: "Thank you to the organisers for everything they’ve managed to do and provide for us at the festival, I couldn’t be more grateful. I managed to see some of my favourite artists in person – I never thought I’d get the opportunity so I couldn’t be more happier!"