Amplified is a platform for young creatives, aged 13 to 18, to express themselves through spoken word, poetry, music and performance. Sharing their own stories on stage, saying what they want to say and how they want to say it.

This short film documents the journey of Amplified Eastbourne - a Young Writer’s Collective project for 13-18 year olds in Sussex which took place across April and May 2026 in partnership with youth music charity AudioActive. A group of amazing young people worked with poet and writer Roy McFarlane and singer songwriter Cate Ferris with guest artist Shayla El-Bushra to write original poems, stories and songs which they performed in front of a live audience at the Birley Centre, Eastbourne.

The audience response was powerful, some commenting:

“Nothing short of amazing.”

“So blown away by the quality of the young people's writing!”

Participants and performers: Dakkshh, Gabelle, Jago, Louie, RiRi, Rosalie, Savannah and Zara.

Thanks to: Young Writer's Collective mentors, Little Green Pig team and our partner AudioActive

Video made by: Caleb Yule of Stories of Note

This project was supported by: Arts Council England, Sussex Community Foundation, Gemini Foundation and John Laing Charitable Trust.