Up To YOU(th) Festival Returns for Its 8th Edition

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Up To YOU(th) Festival Returns for Its 8th Edition

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September 16, 2024

A Dynamic One-Day Event Celebrating Youth, Technology, and Creativity

Mark your calendars for an exciting day at Acropolis Park as the Up To YOU(th) Festival gears up for its 8th edition. Taking place on September 28, the festival promises an action-packed day filled with robotic battles, a geek corner, local films, live music, and thought-provoking discussions. This unique festival, which kicks off at 5pm with free entry for all ages, brings together young creators, innovative technologies, and meaningful dialogue on contemporary social issues.

This year’s festival holds special importance as it coincides with the 30th anniversary of the Youth Board of Cyprus, the organization behind the event. In keeping with its commitment to inclusivity, the festival has made numerous provisions to ensure accessibility for people with disabilities. This includes a basketball game organized in collaboration with the Special Olympics and other inclusive activities. Additionally, sign language interpretation will be provided for main events, guided tours will be available, and signage will be installed for visually impaired attendees.

Celebrating Local NGOs and Social Causes

One of the key highlights is the NGO Fair, co-hosted by the NGO Support Centre and the Cyprus Youth Council. The fair will feature over 70 local NGOs and organizations, offering insights into critical topics such as the environment, human rights, volunteering, and culture. This diverse gathering offers attendees the chance to explore a variety of causes and engage with organizations working to make a difference.

Human Talks: Conversations to Break Down Barriers

Through the Human Talks initiative, individuals will have the chance to share personal stories in intimate, one-on-one discussions on topics like sexual orientation, disability, religion, and ethnicity. These conversations aim to challenge stereotypes and foster greater understanding and acceptance of all groups in society.

Interactive Tech and Robotics Fun

Young people eager to dive into the world of technology will not be disappointed. The festival’s Tech Fair will offer immersive experiences, including virtual reality applications and robotic battles. Educational institutions such as Frederick University, European University, Cyprus Computer Society, and Pascal International School will create an environment for interactive learning, allowing visitors to engage with cutting-edge technology. Additionally, the Youth Makerspace program, an innovative initiative by the Youth Board, will be showcased, giving attendees a glimpse into exciting developments in programming and technology.

Geek Culture, Science, and Local Cinema

For fans of geek culture, the festival will feature GEEKMANIA, an exhibition with retro games, comics, collectible figures, and rare statues. Sci-Co Cyprus will host a science experiments corner, adding another layer of interactive fun for attendees of all ages.

Film enthusiasts will have the chance to enjoy short films from local creators, courtesy of the GeekOtopos Collaborative Hive. For the first time, the Queer Wave Festival will present a special program titled Cyprus Queer Cinema, celebrating diverse voices in local filmmaking.

Mental Health, Podcasting, and More

The MythBusters Quiz invites festivalgoers to separate fact from fiction when it comes to mental health. Meanwhile, podcast lovers can attend a masterclass by HistoriKon, a popular local podcast, and participate in a Q&A at CaveCast, where they’ll learn the ins and outs of creating their own podcasts.

Endless Entertainment and Activities for All Ages

The festival is truly packed with activities. There will be a kids’ corner, animal communication sessions, dog adoptions, and a treasure hunt organized by the Cyprus Girl Guides. Visitors can also participate in a postcard creation workshop hosted by Graphic Stories.

Live performances will keep the crowd energized, with Alexis Sunder and his band Sundercats taking the stage, along with On Tour and two student bands from the Musicopolis Conservatory.

With so much in store, the Up To YOU(th) Festival is not to be missed. It promises an unforgettable day full of creativity, inclusivity, and innovation.

Up To YOU(th) Festival 2024