Teenagers' dry toast to 'our answer to Oxegen'

ALCOHOL-FREE music festivals for young people would mean they could "hang out and relax, without the pressure to drink", according to teenagers attending one such event at Balbriggan, Co Dublin yesterday.

Young members of the local Foróige youth group organised the festival, 'Nitrogen'.

"It's our answer to Oxegen," explained Winie Onwubiko (16), one of the organisers.

Nitrogen ran throughout yesterday at the Ring Common Sports Grounds just outside the town, and alongside the stage were the usual festival suspects - food stalls, jewellery stalls, a "chill-out" tent and chocolate and soft drinks.

"No alcohol or drugs permitted," declared a sign at the entrance and by early afternoon no one appeared to have had anything to drink.

By 3pm about 200 young people were lounging on the grass, wandering among the stalls and dancing to the music.

Among the 17 bands onstage between noon and 9.30pm were local acts Strictly Roots, the Daze Boiiz, House of Cards and What She Said.

Irish bands the Flaws and the Coronas also played.

The festival was co-funded by the Think Big project, operated by O2 and Headstrong, the youth mental health charity. The other funder was Starbucks.

Think Big funds and mentors projects in the community run by young people that address youth mental health.

Nuala Smith, youth participation officer with Headstrong, said the project attracted Think Big funding because of its focus on demonstrating young people could enjoy themselves as much, if not more, if alcohol were removed from the event.

"Irish youth alcohol consumption levels are among the highest in Europe and this brings with it a whole range of social and mental health challenges," she said.

Grace Ndiba (16), attending yesterday, described Nitrogen as "brilliant". "It's great to be able to hang out and relax with your friends without the pressure to drink. I don't drink anyway but I think more festivals like this would be better for young people who don't want to. There's no messing about."

Adam Carbery (18) was also enjoying the day. "It's very good, especially for the younger kids here. It might be more fun for older people if there were a few drinks. I might like one, but I'm grand without it."