For more than 25 years, Devon Young Carers has proudly taken young carers from across the county to the Young Carers Festival, the world’s largest gathering dedicated to young people with unpaid caring responsibilities.

Each summer, the festival offers the opportunity for young carers to step away from the pressures of daily life, make new friends, and enjoy a weekend filled with fun, freedom, and unforgettable experiences.

“The festival has an incredible impact, boosting confidence, creating friendships, and helping young people feel recognised and celebrated.”
Paddy Agnew, Service Manager, Devon Young Carers

Why the Festival Matters

Being a young carer often means balancing school, home life, and emotional responsibility. Opportunities to simply be a young person can be rare.

The Young Carers Festival provides:

• A much-needed break from caring responsibilities
• A safe and supportive space to relax and have fun
• Time with peers who truly understand their experiences
• A platform to be heard, helping influence local and national policy

Young carers who attend often describe the weekend as life-changing, especially those who may never have spent time away from home before.

What the Festival Offers

Across the weekend, young carers can enjoy a huge variety of activities, including:

• Live music and singing
• Fairground rides
• Outdoor film screenings
• Sports, paddle boarding & raft racing
• Arts and crafts
• Fireworks and laser shows
• Neon and silent discos
• Workshops and wellbeing spaces

The Voice Tent provides a powerful opportunity to share experiences, raise awareness, and inspire change.

All young Carers, you are special. Watch the Young Carer's Festival 2025 film to find out more about his special event.

National Impact

Findings from recent Carers Trust consultations show just how valuable the festival experience can be:

• 94% felt they were able to take a break from caring
• 90% felt heard when talking about life as a young carer
• 99% reported that their experience of the festival was positive

Young carers also highlighted wider challenges such as transitions between school stages and the impact of financial pressures on their futures, making spaces like the festival even more important.

A 2022 report from the Children’s Commissioner confirms that the Young Carers Festival continues to be the world’s biggest event for young carers, offering both restoration and empowerment.

 

Voices From Young Carers

I can’t believe how many tents there are here. I must take a picture to show my mum. I can't believe there are so many other young carers. It's amazing.”
Molly, 15

“The fireworks were amazing. I cried. They were magical”
 Alison, 13

“I feel like I can be myself here and forget my worries.”
Xanthe, 15

Our Ongoing Commitment

Devon Young Carers works year-round to ensure as many young carers as possible can experience the festival. Through funding, community support, and strong partnerships, we remain committed to:

• Keeping the trip accessible
• Prioritising young carers with the highest need
• Creating lasting opportunities for connection, confidence, and joy

As we look ahead, our focus remains on ensuring future generations of young carers in Devon continue to feel recognised, supported, and celebrated.

If you’d like to make a difference and help more young carers experience this life-changing festival in the future, please get in touch here. Your support would mean so much.