Original Grizzly Entertainment, an event organised by young musicians to thank funders for their support, took place on Thursday February 25 at the Orchard School in Horfield. 

There were performances from bands and rappers such as GY band and Jinxsta JX. GY have already received grants to help their development, including £4,000 from Bristol City Council and £6,500 from the Government’s Youth Opportunity Fund (YOF). The money has gone towards instruments, lessons and transport to get them to their gigs. 

And, thanks to a peer mentoring programme, GY have been able to pass on their new found expertise, training and supporting four other grime and hip hop bands, who also performed on the night. These were Vex, Raheem, Reezy and Hectic. 

In order to gain Youth Opportunity Funding, GY had to apply for the money themselves with the support of Scott Jacobs, Bristol Community Housing Foundation, Ben Lavender from the police and Charlene Richardson, Senior Youth and Community Worker at Bristol City Council, by researching equipment needed and completing the form. 

Targeted Positive Activities Funding is aimed at young people who would not normally have the opportunity to get involved in activities that can be expensive or hard to gain access to. 

Senior youth worker from Lockleaze and Horfield, Charlene Richardson said:  “Thanks to the funding, GY have not only put on this brilliant musical event - Original Grizzly Entertainment - but they have been training four new groups of young people who are performing their music to a real audience.

She added: “I’m really proud of what they have achieved. It was a brilliant night on Thursday and a great way for them to thank all the people who have funded and supported them.”

More than 380 projects across Bristol have been awarded funding since the Youth Opportunity Fund was introduced.

If you are aged between 13 and 19, live in Bristol and would like to apply for funding for the next financial year (April/May 2010) email ywparticipation@bristol.gov.uk or visit www.bristol.gov.uk/ccm/content/Community-Living/Youth-Support/youth-opportunities-fund to download an application form.