It’s not just the girls who are learning to skate on the half pipe in Lismore’s Quad today. At the new half pipe installed on the grass, there was a line up of young people of all ages waiting to get some tips and assistance from the capable Bevin Newton.

Youth Week is well underway in the Quad, with DJs, live music and lantern making bringing life to the Quad this afternoon – and tomorrow too.

Read more about the Youth Week festival line up in the Quad: Lismore Youth Festival kicks off tomorrow

In the Lismore Regional Gallery next to the Quad, exhibitions by local young artists adorn the walls and out the back, young artists are making paste up art to decorate the Quad.

Under the guidance of Claudie, Caz and workshop coordinator Kiki, Imogen was making a paste up by cutting pictures out of magazines to make a decopage.

Imogen at work.

Next to her, Xanthe Shultz has been photocopying her art and then adding colour and design to it.

Xanthe said she also has artwork in the Youth Week exhibition inside the gallery, along with the works of other talented locals.

Xanthe at work.

The paste up workshop will also be happening tomorrow from 11am until 2pm, and workshop organiser Kiki said the artwork will be finally presented on the concrete bolsters outside the gallery.

“It's a space a lot of young people come and hang out and sit in,” Kiki said.

'So, this is a way to get them to feel it's theirs - and another way to introduce them to the concept of street art too – learning paste ups and combining drawing and decopage.”

Kiki and Caz will also be helping out tomorrow.

Kiki said the art will also be hung on a large piece of plywood on the Quad water tank afterwards.

“This will give longevity to the art,” Kiki said.

Lismore Placemaking officer Marisa Snow said having the Quad come alive again was particularly good for young people.

“It’s been a hard year for them not being able to go out and socialise,” she said. “Now they can go out, gather again and feel empowered again.”

This afternoon, music by local upcoming hip hop musician Anemoi and local MC rappers will continue to light up the Quad, as people sit down in the chill space of the grassy area.

Tomorrow, the Lismore Youth Jazz Orchestra will play in the afternoon, along with ongoing workshops, skating and lantern making.

The festival finishes at 8pm Friday, so come on down and take part.

Lismore Youth Festival Details:

Thursday 15 April & Friday 16 April, 10am - 8pm (Multiple venues)

The Quad, Lismore Regional Gallery, Lismore Library, Northern Rivers Conservatorium, NORPA at Lismore City Hall.

FREE but booking required for some events and workshops to reserve a spot.

For full program visit http://www.lismorequad.org.au

Lismore Youth Festival is presented by The Quad in partnership with Lismore Regional Gallery, Lismore Library, The Northern Rivers Conservatorium, NORPA, The Clubhouse Social Futures, Dream Bigger, Headspace Lismore, Elevator ARI and Arch Studio Gallery.

Jyllie Jackson helps people make lanterns in the Quad.