Lancashire Police hosts national CadetFest

More than 200 cadets and leaders will descend on Lancashire Police headquarters over the bank holiday weekend, as this year the constabulary hosts the national volunteer police cadet annual competition.



Police cadet units from 15 forces across the country will be participating in CadetFest, an action packed festival themed weekend comprising tough physical and mental challenges and a range of activities including the escape room, an evidence hunt, bungee run and archery. As well as hard work, there will also be a DJ and live music on stage on Saturday night for the cadets to enjoy and an awards ceremony on Sunday.

Event organiser Sgt Helen Nellany said: “Lancashire Constabulary is hosting the event as our Burnley cadet unit was successful in winning the competition last year. It’s a bit like the Eurovision, if you win the event you host it the year after.

“It’s a great opportunity for lots of police cadets to come together and learn new skills and make new friends. A lot of planning has gone into CadetFest to make it an enjoyable and educational weekend. As everyone will be camping on site, we decided to turn it into a mini festival.”

British Transport Police, Cheshire, Cleveland, Derbyshire, Devon and Cornwall, Essex, Gwent, Hampshire, Herts, Leicestershire, The Met, Northampton, Police Scotland and Suffolk will all be sending teams of cadets to compete in CadetFest in the hope they will be crowned winners of the competition at the end of the weekend.

Helen continued: “The volunteer police cadet scheme is part of our citizens in policing programme. We now have 650 cadets within our ten units across Lancashire. Police cadets help and assist in the community by getting involved in a number of activities, including stewarding local events such as fairs, town shows and carnivals. They also help the local neighbourhood policing teams carry out leaflet drops, crime prevention initiatives, community safety events and street surveys. Since October 2015 the cadets have provided more than 18,000 hours of volunteering service.”

Clive Grunshaw, Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner, said: "We have an excellent cadet scheme here in Lancashire and our young people are an absolute credit to the force.

"We are lucky to have so many volunteers in Lancashire giving up their time to give back to their communities. CadetFest is a great way to bring these young people from around the country together and celebrate all the positive work they do.

"Being a cadet is a great way to make a difference but also develop important skills for the future, which is why I have increased the number of opportunities for young people to get involved in Lancashire."

The event has been funded by entry fees from forces alongside additional funds from the proceeds of crime fund (OPPC).