Herrljunga festival
A day focused on children's and young people's health.
About the project
Since the outbreak of the pandemic, children and young people have increasingly chosen to leave youth and sports associations. At the same time, problems with the target group's physical and mental health are increasing. The purpose of Herrljunga Festival 2023 was to counteract this change and be a positive force that highlights the role of associations in children's and young people's health. A group that, if it is thriving, benefits everyone in society.
In recent years, Herrljunga municipality has actively worked to make Herrljunga an attractive place to visit, live, and work in. Herrljunga Festival contributes to this and was held for the first time in 2022. For 2023, the ambition was a larger and better cultural event focused on children's and young people's health.
Done and said – the project began by involving students aged 10-15 to create a festival that appeals to them. By organizing workshops and forming a youth council, the young people were able to influence, shape, and implement the festival's activities. The work took place through monthly planning meetings – all in close collaboration with an engaged festival management.
The festival itself took place on August 26 and included a variety of activities of different kinds. In addition to music and stage performances, graffiti workshops, football freestyle, chess, family gym, VR activities, and obstacle courses can be mentioned.
After the festival, it was evaluated together with the youth council and partners to analyze the project's successes and potential areas for improvement. The results showed that the festival offered more activities than planned and attracted twice as many visitors per activity compared to the project goals.
Involving young people – how do you do it?
The young people's perspective and participation were important and permeated this project. However, involving young people is often highlighted as difficult. The management group that has driven this project therefore wants to advise others who are going to implement similar initiatives on the following:
- Create engagement through clear frameworks that also allow for creative wishes. Be clear about purpose, goals, and effects.
- Ensure that adults in the management group have the ability to involve children and young people.
- Create understanding and transparency among all parties involved in the project, both internal and external.
- Above all: if the project is to create a festival area by young people and for young people, give the youth council mandate and
ownership in the development.
Photo: Karolina Donsuave
The board's decision justification
After the submitted application and presentation in LAG, as well as an interview with the applicant, scoring in the selection criteria has shown that the project aligns well with the strategy. The project strengthens Herrljunga municipality, provides pride, and better health in the long run for young people. Some transferability exists to other municipalities for organizing activities for this target group.
About the project
Project period
2023
Project owner
Herrljunga municipality
Project Manager
Jesper Jansson
jesper.jansson@herrljunga.se
The project in the media
Alingsås newspaper 2022-12-19 (for subscribers only): Leader funds for Herrljunga festival 2023
Borås newspaper 2022-12-27 (for subscribers only): The message: Herrljungafestivalen 2023 will take place in some form – the festival general tells
About the financing
Leader support paid out
282,029 SEK
Co-financing from project owners:
80,017 SEK
Total financing
362,046 SEK
In addition to the above, the project estimates to contribute with volunteer engagement worth 62,690 SEK.
The Leader support consists of funding from the EU, the state and the municipalities of Sjuhärad.
Incoming EU funds have been granted from:
Rural Development Fund
