by Tim Nuttall
The members of a popular youth music group are inviting the community to join them for a fundraising concert in support of a charity that provides various clubs and activities for young people in Withernsea.
Under the banner of Withernsea Youth Action, a registered charity that supports young people up to the age of 18, or 25 for those with special educational needs, the Elevation Youth Music Group formed in September 2023 in response to demand from young musicians who were seeking an outlet for their creativity.
Almost a year later, and fresh from an appearance at this year’s Withstock festival, which saw the musical collective open proceedings on the second day of the event, the members of Elevation Youth Music will be taking to the stage at Withernsea Methodist Church on Friday, August 16, to help raise funds for Withernsea Youth Action.
The free concert, which takes place between 5pm and 8pm, will feature performances from the group’s members, alongside musical games and a raffle, to help raise funds which will go directly towards helping the Withernsea Youth Action Group maintain and expand their provision in the town.
Mark Zubrzycki, chairman of the Withernsea Youth Action Group, said: “It’s events like these that are the lifeline of our charity. Not only do they give young people further opportunities to showcase their amazing talents, but all money raised will go towards helping to ensure we can continue running our clubs throughout the year.
“We really hope we get a full house for the young people for both our fundraiser and our youth music festival.”
Earlier this year, the Elevation Youth Music Group were given a boost after receiving a full complement of new equipment for their club thanks to a donation of £10,000 from Withernsea Big Local.
The money funded the purchase of top-of- the-range music and stage equipment, including a lighting rig, guitars, keyboards, microphones, PA equipment, and associated cabling, which has since been put to good use and enabled the group to refine their talents and perform at various events.
Mark added: “This equipment is not only helping to support our current cohort of young musicians at their weekly meetings, it will also help many others for years to come. It has already enabled us to develop opportunities for live performance in the community, including our recent Withstock performance, as well as our upcoming Youth Music Festival.
“As a token of appreciation for the support received from Withernsea Big Local, the festival will now be known as the Big Local Youth Music Festival – not only as a nod to the generous donation from Withernsea Big Local, but also as we aim for the festival to be ‘big’ and showcase the best of ‘local’ young talent.”
Now in its third year, the festival will take place in Withernsea’s Valley Gardens on Monday, August 26, between midday and 5pm.
The festival itself provided the initial inspiration for the creation of Elevation Youth Music after interest generated from the first two events, coupled with the drive of the performers who were keen to have their own dedicated club, prompted the launch of a weekly opportunity for them to practise and develop their skills.
The group meet every Friday, from 5pm, at Withernsea Methodist Church. Gordon Beastall, church leadership member, said: “We are delighted to support Elevation Youth Music and Withernsea Youth Action by hosting their weekly practises at the church.
“The group’s leaders, Mark Zubrzycki, Dave Walker and Paul “Ewy” Hewson, are dedicated performers in their own right and should be commended for their willingness to work with, and alongside, young performers – acting both as mentors and inspiration for a bright and successful future in music and live performance.”
Meanwhile, Withernsea Youth Action continue to run their popular youth club every Monday night between 6.30pm and 8.30pm at the Shores Centre.
Further information about both opportunities can be found on each group’s respective Facebook pages, or by emailing [email protected].
