82 young people with lived experience from 30 countries across Europe, speaking 26 languages, arrived in the Hungarian capital yesterday, kicking off a week of community, shared experiences, advocacy and, of course, Sziget Festival.

For many, the airport was already the first reunion of the week: familiar faces meeting again, new connections starting, and the first photos in front of the YCE banner before heading into the city.

Some participants jumped straight into exploring Budapest with a sightseeing tour, getting their first glimpse of the city we’ll be calling home for the next few days. They explored the Buda Castle area, stopped by Fisherman’s Bastion and the Hungarian National Gallery, and wrapped up the tour at the Citadel.

Welcome Dinner

In the evening, all participants came together for a welcome dinner. This was a great a chance to catch up, meet new people and get ready for everything ahead.

YCE co-founder Katie Rizvi welcomed everyone to Budapest and introduced the YARN's project activities taking place throughout the week, while also thanking our Hungarian partners helping make the programme possible: Érintettek Egyesület and the Hungarian Paediatric Oncology Network, represented tonight by Borszékiné Cserháti Erika and Drs Jakab Zsuzsanna.

The team then shared what’s coming up: Youth Cancer Council discussions, workshops and group activities, exploring Budapest, experiencing Sziget Festival together and bringing YARN directly onto the festival grounds through activities at our booth.

Most importantly, the evening gave everyone time to connect.

Because while there is plenty on the agenda this week, bringing young people with lived experience together to talk, learn, advocate, have fun and simply spend time with people who get it, is at the heart of why we’re here.