Young people rock council's annual meeting

Council AGMs are usually the stuff of tradition - but at South Norfolk Council, we do different.

On Monday May 15th, as councillors sit down for their key pre-AGM political meetings, young people will be dancing for democracy to three music bands in the rooms right next door.

Councillors have been advised to bring ear plugs!

Jenni Clutten is chair of South Norfolk Youth Action (SNYA), which is organising the live music gig with SN Sounds.

She said:

"South Norfolk Council with Norfolk County Council won one out of only eight Beacon awards for councils in the whole country, winning national recognition for work with young people.

"We have decided to celebrate and do something with the AGM that probably few other councils anywhere else would dare do. We are having a live and loud free gig with music by young people, for young people. We're going to do some dancing for democracy."

The council and SNYA have booked the blues, rock and jam outfit, the Ida Mae Band, who recently packed out the Waterfront bar at the Riverside in Norwich and are in the middle of a tour. Alongside them will be local bands Abstract Harris and Bite Marks & Blood Stains, formerly known as Fusion 54.

Council Leader and Young People's Champion Vivienne Clifford-Jackson said:

"Winning Beacon status with Norfolk County Council for work with young people is only worth something if it changes the council. Holding a live gig with three bands for young people in the council offices right next to the Council Chamber and just before the AGM is a spectacular way of saying we've changed.

"Less obvious but equally revolutionary is the way young people are overturning the way we think and do business. They have sat on job interview panels for officers, given our Head of Financial Services the third degree on his budget, helped shape our environment strategy, and are showing us the way on local democracy. To name just a few.

"I make no apology for sounding a dramatic note, but if councils don't do what we are doing, democracy will be the big loser. We are helping turn the next generation into activists for local democracy. Others must now follow our lead."

The party starts at 4pm and runs until 7pm. The canteen and meetings area are being cleared to make space for drum kits, guitars and mic stands, the bands and their fans, as well as representatives from SNYA, Norfolk County Council, and the 46 South Norfolk Councillors who are there for the AGM.

When the rock stops at 7pm, Jenni Clutten will give a short speech calling on young people to join SNYA, support their work and then follow her into the council chamber for the first part of the AGM.

Young people are expected to head for the chamber public gallery for one of the AGM highlights - the speech of Jenni Clutten to 46 councillors and senior council officers where she will deliver her "annual report" on the council's work in the last year, and look ahead to prospects for the next.

And in an unprecedented call to the Norfolk media to come and join the party - Jenni added:

"This is a big day for young people in Norfolk and I want the EDP, BBC, Anglia, independent local radio, the Diss Express and others to take a risk, get out of their offices, come and see what young people are doing for themselves, and join our party."

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