Bounce Dont Binge @ Bodmin

When it was announced Christian hip-hop band LZ7 were spending a week in Cornwall, Kernowyouth went along to find out what it was all about. They were taking part in an initiative called "Bounce Don't Binge!" We met up with them during the opening day of their week at Bodmin College...

The healthy lifestyle roadshow “Bounce Don’t Binge” visited Bodmin College last week. Organised by North Cornwall District Council, and supported by the NHS, Police, Family Services & various other organisations, the roadshow was designed to show teenagers that a healthy and active lifestyle is far more desirable than getting hooked into a culture of binging on alcohol, drugs or unhealthy food.

Fronting the roadshow were Manchester based hip-hop band LZ7. The members of the band took various workshops allowing students from Years 8, 9 and 10 to try their hand at mc-ing, dj-ing, drumming, and free-running! The 60 students involved in the workshops were engrossed, savouring the opportunity to work with top professionals in their respective fields. Students were amazed to find themselves being taught by Ryan Doyle, a free runner from Liverpool who is the current National Extreme Tricks Champion and has performed on numerous TV shows, commercials, films and live shows. Ryan also performs regularly with LZ7 at their concerts and shows.

After a day of workshops there was a free evening concert for an audience of 200 students. Warming up the audience were Flava, the Cornish dance group who shot to fame on ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent (pictured right). Their set was well received by the audience, who were then allowed to field questions at the group. Then came a dynamic performance from LZ7 who certainly got the teenagers bouncing! A lively mix of music, dance, dj-ing and incredible stunts by Ryan Doyle had the audience in raptures. At the end of the concert the youngsters browsed stalls from the various support organisations and were able to take a selection of helpful literature and information.

The event in Bodmin was organised by Ms Dee Dillon of the Performing Arts Department. She said, “It has been fantastic. An important message has been put across in a fun and dynamic way. The students have had a great time.” The roadshow also visited secondary schools in Launceston, Bude, Camelford and Wadebridge.

"It's been a terrific day," said Lindz West. "The school have been really welcoming & the students are great." Perhaps that's why LZ7's website now proclaims "Cornwall Rocks!"

Report & photos by Phil Hadley except Flava photo by Dee Dillon.

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