Young women from around the UK descended on The Venue in Huyton last week to celebrate female empowerment as part of the first ever Big Love Little Sista Festival.

A collaboration between Artist Clare Campbell and Knowsley Youth Mutual, the event showcased more than 100 six-foot tall “pop-ups”, which had been created by girls from as young as eight years old.

For the past two months, Big Love Little Sista has seen participants gather from diverse groups including children looked after, vulnerable and at risk groups and young leaders. Together they have formed a strong sisterhood and creatively looked at wellbeing, mental distress, sexual health and preventative work around domestic violence.

As part of the festival, they were encouraged to “create sistahood instead of competition and celebrate their amazing energy and potential”, whilst raising the importance of creating safe spaces for young women to boost their self-esteem and wellbeing through art.

Clare Campbell said:

“I am overwhelmed by the wonderful turnout that we had and it was great to see so many women of all ages and backgrounds unite and celebrate the moving journeys of so many young women.

“The aim of the exhibition was to show how the young girls have blossomed into fabulous beings following the eight week project that took place over the summer in OurPlace Youth Facility and KYM Outdoor Education Centre. As well as being able to view the colourful self-portrait pop-ups, visitors also received a pack of inspiring affirmation cards, which have been created by the girls.”

The day also saw a series of entertainment including uplifting choir performances, powerful videos and speeches, as well as thought-provoking creative circles.

Chief Executive of Knowsley Youth Mutual Sandra Richardson added:

“By our youth workers working alongside Clare at Big Love Sista, we have been able to bring all our best practice in youth work to enable so many young girls and women to find healing in creativity.

“The Big Love Little Sista project offered invaluable support to young girls in need of guidance and addressed multiple social issues in a refreshing way. It was great to be able to share the girls’ messages of hope with so many different women.”

Knowsley Youth Mutual will run monthly little sista circles, mums and daughter retreats and residentials and distribute the goddess affirmation cards as a way of sustaining the project.

For more information visit www.biglovesista.com/big-love-little-sista-festival