This afternoon’s first ever Underage Festival in London’s Victoria Park has got an unenviable task. How do you entertain the world’s most hostile audience (teenagers) and be alcohol-free and strictly under 19s while still maintaining an aura of cool? It’s a toughie.
I wouldn’t want the job, but organisers seem to be stepping up to the plate. First tick in the box for them is a massive and frankly impressive line up. Radio One is hosting a stage, as are MySpace (naturally) who have been busily promoting the event.

Stemming from a countrywide gig night organised by then 14-year-old Sam Killcoyne, it’s billed as the world’s first ‘credible under 19s festival’. Well the bands certainly haven’t been put off - last minute additions to the line up include Lethal Bizzle, Jack Penate and The Maccabees, who are doing a DJ set.
They join a stunning already-announced line up including Mercury Music Prize nominees The Young Knives, The Mystery Jets, The Pigeon Detectives, Boy Kill Boy, Blood Red Shoes and The Rumble Strips. And that’s merely skimming the surface of the musical delights on offer.
This isn’t a totally kiddy-friendly festival - only 14-19 year olds are welcome (although I wonder how the under 16s will prove themselves?) There’s also the added touch of a crèche to put adults in (presumably soundproofed and containing booze to make up for the soft-drink bars).
Don’t get me wrong - there are some downsides. I think organisers are brave holding a one-day festival and not putting anything on beyond sunset. The day runs 12pm - 8pm only. What are the older teens going to do after that? Hopefully not riot. Another problem is in the name - calling something the Underage Festival is never going to be cool, surely?
And there’s that fixture that never fails to make me shudder - a Battle of the Bands competition. Finalists from Tower Hamlets School will be on site to perform on the Unsigned Stage. Finally - the design. Is it me, or does the font make you think of a playgroup?
Still, the line-up is stellar and the club nights this idea stemmed from have been a big success, so it could all go off without a hitch. Teenage creator Sam says he hopes for “a day of undiluted fun and mayhem minus the adults.” Let’s hope he gets what he wants, or there might be one almighty tantrum.
P.S. Are you going to the Underage Festival? We’d love to hear your reviews - get in touch in the comments box below. Limited tickets are available on the door priced £20 or go here.

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Posted by sophiebruce on Friday August 10th, 2007 at 8:09 am