Fun. Friendship. Freedom. Young Carers Festival 2026 Was Everything We Hoped

More than 1000 young carers from across the UK spent a weekend being exactly what they deserve to be – children. The feedback has been overwhelming. And now we’re already thinking about how to make 2027 bigger, bolder and more accessible than ever.

A weekend like no other

Young Carers Festival 2026 is over – and what a weekend it was. Set against the grounds of YMCA Fairthorne in Hampshire, over 1000 young carers aged 11 to 17 arrived from across England and Wales for three days of outdoor adventures, creative workshops, live music, fairground rides, and – perhaps most importantly – the simple pleasure of being surrounded by people who truly understand what their lives are like.

The atmosphere, as always, was electric. From the moment young carers arrived on Friday evening, to the final goodbyes on Sunday afternoon, the festival was buzzing with laughter, new friendships, late-night conversations, and so much joy.

Activities across the weekend spanned four core themes: outdoor adventures and team challenges, friendship and connection with others who truly ‘get it’, creative workshops, music and fun, and voice and advocacy opportunities – giving young carers the chance to be heard by the people who make decisions about their lives.

What the groups said

“The young carers from Slough had such an incredible weekend. They were already asking if they could come back before we had even left the festival!! This was the first time we’ve had the opportunity to take our young carers on a residential like this due to funding, so we really appreciate you inviting us and making it possible. Thank you for all your support and please pass on our thanks to all of the staff. It was clear how much effort, care and hard work went into making the weekend such a special experience for all the young carers. We really hope to be involved again in the future.” – Young carer group leader, Slough

“We all had a fantastic time and the young carers absolutely loved it!!!” – Young carer group leader, Slough

“The staff were fantastic, the venue is beautiful and the activities were loved by all who attended. Thank you for providing our young carers with an amazing break away.” – Young carer group leader

“The festival is a great experience for our young people. Our group love coming and your team really work hard.” – Young carer group leader

An extraordinary team behind the scenes

None of this would have been possible without the remarkable army of volunteers who gave their time, energy and hearts to make the weekend happen. More than 250 volunteers – YMCA Fairthorne Group staff, local community members and corporate teams – descended on the site to put up tents, cook thousands of meals, run activities, keep spirits high and ensure every single young carer felt safe, seen and celebrated.

“My highlight was the privilege of being with so many youngsters, being free and enjoying it all.” – Festival volunteer, YCF 2026

From the moment the festival was being set up to the final moments on Sunday evening, our volunteers gave over 1500 hours of their time across the event week. They are the backbone of this festival, and our gratitude to every one of them is immeasurable. They came to our site, they worked tirelessly, and they helped create something genuinely life-changing.

“A highlight was being made to feel very welcome and part of such an amazing event.” – Festival volunteer, YCF 2026

The true heroes of the weekend

As extraordinary as our volunteers are, the true heroes of Young Carers Festival are the young people themselves. This weekend was theirs – and by Sunday evening, every single one of them had gone home. Back to responsibilities that no child should have to carry, but which they carry every single day without complaint.

The scale of what young carers quietly endure is staggering. In England alone, there is 120,000 registered young carers aged between 5-17, and they are 7x more likely to become NEET (not in education, employment, or training).

Behind every one of those statistics is a child. A child who gets up early to help a parent get ready. Who misses school because there is nobody else. Who has never been asked how they are – not really. For many, Young Carers Festival is the one weekend in the year where someone finally asks, and genuinely waits for the answer.

“I feel surprisingly calm” – Young Carer, YCF 2026

Spreading the word: BBC Radio 4’s Broadcasting House

We were absolutely delighted that this year’s festival caught the attention of one of the UK’s most listened-to radio programmes. BBC Radio 4’s Broadcasting House featured Young Carers Festival, helping us share the story of these remarkable young people with millions of listeners across the country.

Being featured on Broadcasting House was a genuinely proud moment for everyone at YMCA Fairthorne Group. Every time someone hears about what these children do, and what a weekend like this means to them, it helps shift the national conversation. You can listen to the programme on BBC Sounds at bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m002y8z3.

Looking ahead: YCF 2027

At YMCA Fairthorne Group, planning for Young Carers Festival 2027 has already begun – and our ambition has never been greater.

We want 2027 to be the biggest and most accessible Young Carers Festival in our history. That means reaching more young carers, particularly those from communities furthest from support. It means funding more bursary places so that cost is never the reason a young carer misses out. It means growing our volunteer community and deepening our partnerships.

To make that happen, we need partners. We are actively looking for:

• Corporate sponsors and major donors to fund festival places (£140 each)
• Organisations able to sponsor a coach and bring a group of young carers from further afield
• Corporate volunteer teams looking for a meaningful, hands-on team challenge
• In-kind supporters able to donate food, equipment, marquees or activity materials
• Media and communications partners to help us amplify the stories of young carers nationally

Young Carers Festival 2027 will take place at YMCA Fairthorne, Hampshire. If you would like to be part of it – as a funder, a volunteer, a sponsor or a partner – we would love to hear from you.