A summertime festival which gathers innovators from all over the globe will return again this year – and is set to bring valuable opportunities for hundreds of young people from across the North East.
Northumbrian Water’s Innovation Festival is returning for 2024, and for the first time ever, it will be introducing a mini-festival, called the Young Citizens Work Experience Festival, aimed at introducing 14-18 year-olds from local schools into the world of work– giving them precious hands-on experience.
The eighth iteration of the event will see attendees from the worlds of science, technology and more, coming together at Newcastle Racecourse to solve some huge environmental and societal challenges.
Taking place between 8th-11th July, the festival will see delegates gather for a series of design sprints, hacks, workshops and activities, aimed at solving difficult problems on topics such as capital investment, customer service and the workforce of the future.
The theme for this year’s festival is ‘Speed and Scale’ and will focus on growing good ideas at pace and will also help to progress on existing ideas from previous festivals.
Nigel Watson, Group Information Services Director at Northumbrian Water, said: “The Innovation Festival is always incredible, but incorporating a full young-persons festival into the event is something we have wanted to do for a while – and I think it will be an incredible opportunity for the younger citizens in our region.
“It’s going to be an immersive and invaluable experience for young minds eager to explore the world of work – and we know that it's crucial to empower the next generation with the skills, knowledge, and inspiration they need to thrive in their future careers.
“Over the years, the Innovation Festival has produced some incredible real-life solutions to issues faced by utility workers and customers every day, and we just know that this festival will be no different.
“I can’t wait to get started, and to be reunited with our innovators for an eighth time.”
As in previous years, the festival will also see a host of celebrity guests, entertainment, music and activities.
For updates on the festival or to find out more, go to – www.innovationfestival.org