Social issue themed open mic event set to take place in Waterford

Waterford City will be the location of a social issues themed open mic event in September.

The youth-led, 'Voices of Tomorrow Take 2' showcase will be held in St Patrick's Gateway Centre on September 21, at 7.30pm.

Under the banner, 'Performing For Our Planet', the organisers have specifically themed the event in a way that will focus attention on social issues including climate change -  something that 93 per cent of young people believe can be mitigated against by changing lifestyle habits.

However, young people also feel there are still major gaps in action being taken with only 44 per cent having ever taken part in an environmental campaign.

The open mic event is being organised by Waterford Youth Advisory Climate Council (YACC) in conjunction with Waterford Sustainable Living Initiative (WSLI), and it's being arranged because social issues like climate change and equal rights, and the challenges they pose, can be scary topics, thus leading to inaction.

The YACC hopes to bridge the gap between young people's concerns and inaction with the forthcoming open mic event which will effectively be the second instalment of their open mic nights, 'Voices Of Tomorrow'.

The upcoming gig will be a free event and the organisers want it to be a fun and creative way to encourage people to speak out in a safe space and they want people to make their voices heard by the community and decision makers.

Such was the success of last year's event - which attracted a very large number of performers, a massive audience filled with people of all ages, press and media, as well as lifelong environmentalist and former MEP Grace O’Sullivan - they had to run it again.

"Have you written, or want to write, a poem, song, spoken word, sketch, jokes, or anything about the planet we live on and the challenges it faces? Then this is the evening for you," said one of the organisers.

However, the night isn't just about performers. It also promises to be an great night out for people who just want to go along and listen to very talented performers.

"The YACC are eager to involve all communities in the conversation about our home, how we can protect it and make Waterford more sustainable and climate conscious," said a spokesperson for the organisers.

"This shared space is a fantastic opportunity for the people of Waterford to interact with the topic of climate change and other social issues creatively and meaningfully, to express this to decision makers and to develop relationships for working towards a better future together," she added.

"Express your thoughts and ideas for change, use your voice, show your passion, save our planet and join us and be heard."

To sign up email sarah@sliwaterford.ie or make contact through social media at media @waterfordsli. 

The YACC is made up of passionate climate activists aged 16 to 35, who wish to work together with decision makers and the creative community to make Waterford an even better city.