From 10 to 16 August 2026, 82 young people with lived experience of cancer aged 18–38, representing 30 countries and speaking 26 languages came together in Budapest for the latest Youth Cancer Council (YCC) Meeting organised within the framework of the European Youth Cancer Network (YARN).

Taking advocacy beyond expected spaces

YARN came to Sziget with a simple idea: conversations about cancer should not remain confined to healthcare spaces or policy meetings. The festival offered an opportunity to bring these stories to people who might not otherwise hear them.

The festival also created unique backstage opportunities for participants to meet artists from across the world, including Swedish singer Zara Larsson, German illusionists Siegfried & Joy, Japanese athlete and performer Yousuke Yukimatsu, Haitian-French singer-songwriter Naïka, and German producer BUNT, all of whom took time to meet members of the YARN community and learn more about the project.

Zara Larsson: kindness after the Main Stage

After performing on Sziget’s Main Stage, Swedish pop artist Zara Larsson met 20 young people with lived cancer experience from 11 European countries.

Despite having just stepped off stage, she took time to listen to their stories, take photos and offer hugs. Participants described her as genuine, kind and generous, highlighting both the confidence she inspires and her advocacy for women’s rights. One said the encounter felt like speaking with a fellow advocate; another shared that, behind the international pop star, they found a kind human being.

Siegfried & Joy: backstage magic

German comedy magic duo Siegfried & Joy also met 20 YARN Youth Cancer Council members from 13 countries shortly before their Main Stage performance.

They listened as participants spoke about YARN and the realities faced by young people living with and beyond cancer. Before heading on stage, the duo added a little magic of their own with an illusion that briefly made the entire group disappear.

Participants remembered their warmth, curiosity and optimistic energy. Max described seeing a real “aha” moment as the artists learned more about young people’s cancer experiences, while Tim from Belgium said the magic “definitely doesn’t stop when they leave the stage.”

Yousuke Yukimatsu: a shared experience of cancer

YARN participants also met Japanese DJ Yousuke Yukimatsu, whose life and career have been shaped by his own experience of cancer.

This shared understanding gave the encounter particular meaning and reinforced one of the week’s central messages: cancer does not define the limits of a person’s identity, ambition or creativity. People affected by cancer are present in every field and community, including on some of the world’s biggest festival stages.

Naïka: connecting through music and stories

Singer and songwriter Naïka also met members of the YARN community, creating space for an open exchange of experiences and ideas.

The conversation reflected another idea at the heart of YARN@SZIGET: people from different countries, backgrounds and creative worlds can find common ground through music, shared values and honest conversation.

Dialogue with policymakers

The week also provided valuable opportunities for dialogue with policymakers. During his visit to the YARN stand, László Darvai, Deputy State Secretary for Health, met participants and discussed challenges faced by young people living with and beyond cancer, including late effects, long-term follow-up and survivorship care.

Pótor József, Deputy State Secretary responsible for Civil Relations, also visited Impact Island, where the exchange highlighted the work of YARN’s local Associated Partner Érintettek, and the role of civil society organisations in supporting young people affected by cancer in Hungary.

Backstage conversations with global reach

Across Youth Cancer Europe’s own channels, content from the week reached more than one million people. The event attracted coverage across international, national and specialist media, including VICE, Noisey, Refresher Hungary, Budapest Business Journal, Radio Hamburg, Cadena 100, Medical Online Hungary and many others.

What stayed after the festival ended

The workshops, festival days and artist encounters were important, but participants’ messages after returning home revealed what stayed with them most: the feeling of being understood, welcomed and part of a community.

Klara:
“Before meeting all of you, I had never been part of a community like this or met other young people who had been through cancer and could truly understand what it feels like. You made me feel understood without having to explain myself, and that means more than I can say.”

Ronja:
“I’m so grateful for all the conversations, laughs, dancing and little moments we got to share. I definitely didn’t get the chance to properly talk to everyone, but hopefully that just means there are more conversations waiting for next time.”

Dani:
“Thank you all for this amazing week. It does not matter where we meet, you always manage to make me feel like I’m home.”

Katarzyna:
“We are far apart now, but our relationship makes me feel like I am never alone. I just want to say: thank you.”

Diana:
“Meeting you all was the best side effect of all the chaos we’ve been through. The non-stop laughing and singing with you was amazing. I can’t wait until we meet again.”

Aleksandra:
“Thank you for sharing your stories and taking care of each other. I’m sure I’ve made friends for life.”