On behalf of the organisers of the Re:Action Festival at Heyford Park, I would like to thank all the young people and their leaders who worked so hard to make a positive contribution to the festival.
We know they are as disappointed as we are that in the interests of everyone's safety, the event had to be cut short (Oxford Mail, November 1).
Of course we are investigating what went wrong and lessons to be learned, but it needs to be made clear that the event was properly licensed, including the levels of stewarding, and the trouble caused by a few was effectively contained by experienced staff.
We have been very touched by the support and good wishes we have received from festival participants and attendees.
The overwhelming message has been that what we were doing was worthwhile, and that positive and creative activities do make a real difference in young people's lives.
Great pieces of theatre, dance, music, film and visual art had been produced for this event.
We will be working our hardest to make sure that the achievements of more than 150 participants are not lost. The creativity and imagination of Oxfordshire's young people will continue to be encouraged and celebrated.
HELEN LE BROCQ
Director, Oxfordshire Youth Arts
Partnership Trust, Abingdon
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