Festival President

HRH The Earl of Wessex KG KCVO

We are very fortunate to enjoy the active involvement of our President, HRH the Earl of Wessex, as well as other influential figures.

“It is in these difficult times that great art is often produced. What you are doing in Kingston is unique, there is no other festival of its kind in the country and you should feel proud that it is taking place right here, in your town.”

- HRH The Earl of Wessex speaking at the Creative Youth From Amazon showcase at the Rose Theatre in January 2011.

 Tom Chambers

“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.  I am really looking forwards to what promises to be a spectacular programme in 2011.”

 Matt Lucas

“Having spent my early years  working with both the National  Youth Music Theatre and NYT, I   know the value and excitement of being allowed to create and perform in the company of other like-minded people.

Clearly the International Youth Arts Festival has got off to a flying start and has a hugely promising future.     I am honoured to have been invited  to become a Patron and happily accept that invitation with best wishes and best of luck to all involved.”

 Madeleine Worrall

“I am really thrilled to support such a wonderful and important festival. My own years in youth theatre were rich and magical, and such an event can only bring joy to all – performers, audiences and residents.

I wish you the very best.”

 Chike Okonkwo

“I feel very lucky to have been born in Kingston upon Thames.  I feel very much a product of my area in that I can trace a line directly from the youth arts I was part of in the Royal Borough, to anything I’ve achieved as a professional actor since I left.

I’m proud to be part of IYAF and look forwards to the great creativity that is always the result when talent, enthusiasm and yes, youth are combined!”

 Sheridan Smith

“I’m delighted and honoured to become a Patron of the International Youth Arts Festival. If it wasn’t for my early experience with the National Youth Music Theatre, I wouldn’t have got where I am today – and you wouldn’t have invited me to be a Patron.

Good luck to all participants and all productions.”