Breakdancing flash mob descend on Leeds City Centre to celebrate 5 years of the Arts Award

Image: Lloyd Thompson from Clean North amazes the unsuspecting shoppers on Leeds Briggate

On Wednesday 22 September a pop-up pink garden shed, surrounded by fake green grass, bright flowers and a sheep - appeared on Briggate, Leeds City Centre. This event was hosted by CapeUK to celebrate the Arts Award 5^th Birthday.

Yorkshire-based breakdancing group, Clean North and dancer Naran from Manasamitra emerged from the crowd, to perform spectacular dance routines in front of unsuspecting shoppers.

This regional ‘Grow Your Own’ event was to celebrate the creative achievements of the 3,500 young people who have achieved Arts Award in Yorkshire.

Arts Award alumni, Lloyd Thompson, who founded the Clean North dance group, was one of the first people to take part in Arts Award and now runs his own breakdancing company. Speaking about his involvement in Arts Award, Lloyd says: “I would strongly recommend Arts Award. It is a fantastic opportunity for young people to try new arts disciplines, get involved in extra curricular activities, as well as meet fellow artists and friends. For anyone with an interest in the arts this programme is an amazing thing to do.”

The event also showcased young DJs, rappers, dancers and MCs – highlighting the wealth of talent that is being nurtured and developed throughout the region.

Pat Cochrane, Chief Executive, CapeUK; “Creativity is an absolutely critical skill for young people, to help them face the future. CapeUK are delighted to be hosting the regional 5 year celebration in the centre of Leeds. We have been leading the Arts Award since 2005 across Yorkshire, Humberside and North Lincolnshire and to date over 3500 young people have now achieved their award.

“CapeUK are really proud to be involved in the leading of this programme that offers so much support to young people – enabling them to develop creative skills and cultural appreciation along with building key personal skills; confidence, communication, teamwork and leadership.”

For more information about the Arts Award please call Dan or Ginny on 0845 450 3700