IYAF has now touched the lives of over 6000 young people since its creation in 2009. 

Here are just some of the stories, memories and experiences of those young volunteers, performers and participants as well as some audience experiences.

“I thought last night was a really terrific evening: beautifully achieved in
every way.  Wonderful, amazingly imaginative, acts, good speeches, and a
great party.  It reminded me, yet again, of the huge importance of what you
and IYAF are doing.  It’s so special.”
With much love,
Stephen Unwin, Artistic Director, Rose Theatre

“I must congratulate you on a wonderful event. HRH was delighted as was I. A triumph! Well done!”

David Jacobs, Life Long President of the Rose Theatre

“I thought last night was incredible – there was a buzz and an energy about the whole event that was remarkable. Well done to everybody responsible.

Chris Blackhurst, City Editor Evening Standard

“Wow!! You go expecting just a small taster and come away thinking it was just so much more than that, a wonderful enchanting professional show in itself. Our guests cannot fail to be inspired by what they saw and heard last night. Although I am probably mis-quoting, I recollect HRH saying that what we are doing is unique in the UK. A big thank you to those who organised it, those who made it possible and to our volunteers.”

Alan Stevenson, Stevenson Chartered Accountant and IYAF Trustee

“A wondrous evening . I’m sure all who were lucky enough to be there will spread the word; and double their sponsorship. Just brilliant.”

 John Miles, Chairman, Canadian & Portland Estates

“Words that I can string together would be just too cheesy to communicate the uplifting and inspiring feeling that last night engendered in, I think just about  everyone there. Not just us but the young people who participated too. Congratulations to every one who helped make it happen. “

Chris Leach. Chairman, Air Charter and IYAF Trustee

“What an evening. Went for a taster but got a great show. I had goose bumps when Sakoba dance academy came on. The whole evening was fantastic. Thanks to all!!  John Lewis is definitely on board again this year and I hope other company’s follow!!”

Louise Wood, PR & Marketing John Lewis Kingston

“Thought it went very well last night – I was particularly pleased to see the way Coombe Boys and Southborough students had clearly got rid of any inhibitions and engaged with expressing themselves – it’s a difficult thing to get teenage boys to do and is a tremendous by product of the work you are doing.  Well done!”

Scott Herbertson, Head of Cultural Services and Lifelong Learning/ Learning and Children’s Services

“Inspirational and moving.  A delight to see the Rose hosting work like this.  Many congratulations to everyone who made it possible.”

 Professor Gail Cunningham, Director of Cultural Liaison and Operation, Kingston University

“Thank you so much for inviting me to last night’s do – it was fantastic!  I thought the level of performance very high, very imaginative.  I loved the puppets and Sister Blue even if her name is misleading!  And I met lots of people too which was lovely. I’m also v impressed that HRH pops up and gives a speech, spends time talking to people and gives IYAF a serious clout of royal dash. We’re really looking forward to working with you on this year’s festival and hope to chat soon about plans.”

Judy Lipsey, The Works PR

“Well done – Fantastic show last night, you must all be delighted,  it’s given me some ideas for our Cultural Olympiad! It’s amazing what the young people achieved  in such a short time. Hope the money will come pouring in……..”

Sandie Barker, Strategic Manager Active Kingston Team

“Congratulations on a really good event last night.  The performances were stunning and the event had a great energy about.  I’m sure it bodes well for another really excellent festival this year.  The Festival is a wonderful thing for Kingston and we want to support it where ever possible.”

Rev Jonathan Wilkes, All Saints Church

“Over the past 2 and a half years of the IYAF, I have witnessed the truly great things that can be achieved through the arts. Of course, the first thing you appreciate is the sheer quality of the work being produced by young people in Kingston, and internationally who are quite literally being given a stage from which to share their talents. But more lasting, is the evidence that the benefits for the people involved reach far beyond an evening of entertainment. It truly does change young people’s perspectives, and their lives on a daily basis. It happened to me at school age, and I’m proud to be involved in helping others to gain the same benefits. ‘From Amazon’ was a special evening and I look forward to sharing many more.”

Chiké Okonkwo  Patron

“I loved the experience of acting on the Rose stage. I was the youngest in the cast but everyone treated me well and it was good fun. My family were impressed that I got to perform for Prince Edward.”

Tim Weymouth, cast member of None But Friends

“What an EXCELLENT event you put on tonight!  Your young  team were outstanding both Front of House and Backstage.  Thank you so much for all your hard work.  I can only imagine the madness.  Our choir had the best time ever and were high as kites on the way home.”

Ali, The KAOS signing choir for deaf and hearing children

“The IYAF have worked closely with OFR, playing a large part in developing our company from a small-time hobby in to a much larger scale venture. By donating their time and money to our cause, the IYAF have helped us grow into an organization which will continue their work of providing essential artistic opportunities for Kingston’s youth.”

Our Friends Records

“Brilliant… inspiring and moving.  It is always so poignant when a group of young people teach us- the elders- lessons about life!”

David White, Audience member (and West End Musical Director) at Godspell by Music Theatre 4 Youth (Ireland)

“I had a huge amount of fun volunteering at the festival.  I met a load of new people, built my skills for future jobs and got to know my town better – I would recommend anyone who has some free time to help our during or even in the run up to the festival.”

Stacey Johnson, Front of House Volunteer

The IYAF gives the chance for all young people who love to act a chance to show off their talents, make loads of new friends and at the end of the day put a fantastic show on. A truly unforgettable experience that I would highly recommend to anyone who loves to go out onto a stage and have fun.  I just wish that it would never end, it’s always difficult to say goodbye especially when you have had ridiculous amounts of fun. So this time I hope that it is not goodbye but ‘see you soon!’

Aidan Rhodes, cast member of None But Friends

“The standing ovation and the award were just the icing on the cake and made it all seem so worthwhile.  We were given a hugely warm welcome by everyone connected to the festival and came back uplifted and happy by what was achieved.”

Jenny Cooke, Chief Executive Music Theatre 4 Youth

“Just had to write to say a massive thank you, to you and your brilliant team for looking after us so well.  The students and staff have had a brilliant time at the festival performing and we are amazed at the help you all gave us, nothing was too much trouble and we loved every single second of it.  Thank you”

Maggie, West Thames College

“I am delighted and proud to be a patron of the International Youth Arts Festival. For over a year now I have had the honour of being a supporter of the charity that has helped and mentored the work of talented young people in a range of the Arts. The spectacular programme on offer this year is already set to break records, with 100 events taking place. With such an amazing range of productions, I am really looking forward to seeing the result of all that hard work and creativity.”

Tom Chambers, Actor and Patron of IYAF