Should we get more boys to sit round a campfire?

The idea of young men gathering round a crackling fire, hearing stories and experiences from their elders might seem like something from a different time.

But that's what the Urban Campfire project in Ipswich is trying to recreate, using music production, creativity and cooking to nurture connections and give boys, aged 14–19, a space to express themselves.

Nikita, 16, said: "I just enjoy how sociable it is. We talk about things, make food on the fires and build the fires.

"It kind of brought me out of my shell again."

The project is being run over 19 weeks, meeting every Tuesday evening at AMPP Studio, in Dove Street near the town centre, offering artist-led sessions for a range of different groups.

Sarah Nkugwa, the studio's creative director, said: "Urban Campfire has shown what can happen when young men are given a safe, welcoming space to connect, create and be themselves.

"We've seen friendships form, confidence grow and a genuine sense of community develop.

"Watching these young men support one another, learn new skills and share their voices with the wider community has been incredibly inspiring and we're excited to see what they achieve next."

The project launched in April after a three-week pilot last September.

It now has eight regular attendees and is supported by Suffolk County Council's Culture Project fund.

Chef and nutritionist Brian Powlett, one of the group's leaders, said: "Every session starts with us gathering round the table by the campfire to prepare food together.

"It isn't a cookery class, it's about creating a relaxed environment where conversations happen naturally.

"When you're chopping vegetables, preparing a meal and working towards something together, barriers come down. People open up, friendships grow and everyone feels they're contributing to something meaningful.

"In a world where it's often the negative stories that make the headlines, projects like this remind us of what's possible when a community invests in its young people."

Alongside the food the group is working together to express themselves through music.

Max, 16, said: "At the moment we are making an EP for three genres of songs.

"We have bedroom pop, indie and a rock song and we are making an official video for each song.

"There's a lot of musically talented people and I'd like to learn a lot from it.

"It's just a great way to make new friends and find out new things about people."

There is an end of project showcase happening at AMPP studio, 11 Dove Street, Ipswich, IP4 1NG - 18:30-20:30 on 11 August - everyone is welcome.

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