North Devon's Urban Sports Festival is making a comeback for 2021 with a Skate Jam in Rock Park, Barnstaple on Saturday 21 August.

The festival had to be cancelled during 2020 due to COVID-19, but organisers have decided to run a smaller-scale event this year. Braunton Skate Jam is running the event, which will take place at the skate park in Rock Park, starting at 11am. 

The Skate Jam opens with one hour of girls only skateboarding, with the main event starting at midday and continuing through to 6.30pm. The event will include:

• competitions
• prizes
• pro-skaters (including Ben Grove, Eddie Belvedere, Jake Sparham, Bethany Rickard and George O'Neil) on hand for demonstrations, offering advice and judging competitions

Organiser of the Skate Jam, Stacey Willis, says: "After two years of not holding any events due to COVID-19, I'm excited to be bringing the Skate Jam to Barnstaple later this month.

“During the pandemic, I noticed lots of people using their boards which was great to see;  it was also amazing for our local skate shops to feel supported through a really difficult period.

“I’m overjoyed by the support we’ve had from the skateboarding community so far and feel lucky to have worked with some amazing people. I look forward to giving something back by helping to organise and run this event.

”It's going to be a fun-filled day and I would encourage residents and visitors of all ages to come down and take part in the excitement. 

"I would lastly like to thank all the brilliant local businesses who have kindly contributed prizes and vouchers to this event. I would particularly like to give a shout-out to local skate shop, Beatsworkin for helping to make this event become a reality."

Leader of North Devon Council, Councillor David Worden, says: "This will be a free community event that will be great fun for participants and spectators alike. Put the date in your diary and bring your family along to enjoy a day filled with competitions, pro-skater demonstrations, prizes and lots more. You won't want to miss out."

Further details about the event will be released on the Urban Sports Festival Facebook page over the coming days and weeks.

This event is being supported by North Devon Council and the EU Welcome Back Fund.