The municipal summer activities programme for young people aged 12 to 29 has exceeded expectations with 1,600 participants. The free proposals and new formats have been key to the success.
The Manresa City Council has reviewed this week the 2026 edition of the Summer Youth Programme, which offers sports, artistic and leisure activities aimed at young people aged between 12 and 29. The result: 1,600 participants, a figure that surpasses initial forecasts and confirms the consolidation of a proposal that gains traction year after year in the summer agenda of the capital of Bages.
From the organisation, which has collaborated with youth entities and services in the city, the response has been very positively evaluated, especially considering that some days coincided with episodes of intense heat. Nevertheless, participation not only did not decrease but increased in the most popular proposals.
Classics and New Features that Marked the Summer
Among the activities with the highest attendance was the XX Beach Volleyball Tournament, one of the most anticipated events in the programme, as well as the night pools with music and non-alcoholic cocktails, which once again filled the facilities. The summer camp of Òrbita Jove, designed for young people aged 13 to 17, has also been a major attraction, with an expanded offer lasting five weeks.
The large-format proposals have been one of this year's highlights. The Night of Virtual Reality and Arcade Games, the afternoon of water inflatables at Milcentenari Square — which gathered more than a hundred people — and the night escape room 'The Malefice' have received a great reception. Also noteworthy was the Urban Sport Fest 3x3 Football, which has come to stay.
One of the most anticipated outings, to PortAventura, forced the organisation to increase the number of places due to high demand. This data confirms the interest in activities that go beyond the strictly local scope.
Training and Small Format, Also Successful
The more artistic and small-format activities, such as natural candle workshops, 3D printing, natural ice creams or hairdressing and braiding, have maintained an excellent level of attendance. This space has allowed for the development of creative skills in a relaxed and close environment.
Regarding the training capsules, aimed at young people aged 16 and over, there has been a full house. The courses on food handling, babysitting and basic first aid have filled up, and the organisation is already working to continue them in future editions, given the high interest shown.
Inclusion and Youth Participation
The programme has been designed with an inclusive perspective. Most activities have been free, and those that required payment have had symbolic prices to ensure access for all young people. This commitment to equity has been key to achieving the objectives of the Local Youth Plan, which prioritises providing safe and quality leisure for the young population of Manresa.
The network of collaboration with youth entities and services in the city has resulted in a coordinated programme, which has included proposals such as the volleyball tournament, workshops from the youth centre La Kampana or the night pools. The 5th Catalan Rap Contest, which has been postponed to September, should also be highlighted, as it is expected to have a great reception.
One of the most innovative elements of this edition has been the participatory process driven by students from secondary schools. Through the 'Punt al Pati' of the Bages Youth Office, young people have been able to propose and vote on some of the activities in the programme, a way to involve them in the leisure offerings of their city.
The organisation wishes to thank the involvement of participants and organisers, who have made it possible for the Summer Youth Programme to be a success once again. Now, the focus is already on the next edition, which will need to maintain a balance between consolidated proposals and the new ideas demanded by an increasingly discerning young audience.
For the young people of Manresa who could not participate this year, the Bages Youth Office will continue to offer information and advice throughout the year, and the youth centre La Kampana will maintain its regular programming. Next summer, the call will be repeated with new proposals that are already being worked on.
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