From the year 2000, the very first young carers festival, YCFM (Express FM as we were known back then) has given a voice to over 43000 young people. We have broadcast a continuous programme of music and entertainment on FM radio and online at the heart of the weekend.

We have given the amazing young people who attend, opportunities they wouldn't usually be given. We have hosted "The Big Bash" made stars of Karaoke singers, presented shows from fairground rides, we've abseiled live on air, been sailing, paddle boarding, flown down zip-lines, been covered in slime and glitter, simulcast on radio stations all over the world, interviewed politicians and given away hundreds of prizes in our infamous competitions. We have built our studio in rickety marquees, open-front trailers, and in mobile media vans, we've made a home out of the Alan Partridge movie outside broadcast truck and camped out in Grand Tour style tents. We have survived every kind of weather, from the hottest days to the wettest weekends. Every YCF has been an adventure filled with inspiration and unforgettable memories.

In 2024 alone we reached over 5000 people with our online stream and thousands through FM radio. Our video montages from the weekend have gained almost 50000 views on YouTube. The work we have done has carried the message of Young Carers to every corner of the planet.

We could not be more proud of our team of dedicated volunteers, many of whom were once Young Carers themselves. Without their support, time and incredible efforts to set up an entire radio station for three days every June, the last 24 years would not have been possible.

As The YCF enters its 25th year, 2025 will be celebrated for the first time without YCFM. We are so pleased, grateful and extremely humble for the gift of being part of the event and having the opportunity to share YCF with the world for 24 years. It has been the experience of a lifetime.

Good luck YCF 2025, we love you, you'll have a blast.