In a devastating turn of events, Creative Youth's venue FUSEBOX - the beating heart of the upcoming FUSE International festival— was flooded this week, just over a week before opening night.

A blocked pipe above the space caused seals to burst and toilets to overflow, forcing event cancellations and putting vital fringe shows at risk.

A blocked pipe above FUSEBOX has caused problems within the venue (Image supplied)

While the core festival will go ahead at the Rose Theatre and ACT Theatre from Saturday, 28 June – 6 July, the flooding has dealt a significant financial blow to the charity and disrupted months of planning.

Archie O'Neill and Daniel Cartlidge, Co-Directors of Creative Youth, said: "FUSEBOX has become a vital creative space for young people in Kingston and beyond. We urgently need community support to help us recover and keep these platforms alive."

The festival offers young people from around the world a safe platform to push creative boundaries and find their voice. The Kingston charity, which champions young people in the arts, is urgently calling for support — especially for its fringe shows.

FUSE International will transform Kingston into a vibrant hub of global youth culture, showcasing fresh, original work across theatre, dance, comedy, cabaret, music, visual arts and more.

From groundbreaking new plays to daring choreography and genredefying music, FUSE is a launchpad for the artists of tomorrow — with participants from across the UK, Korea, Sweden and beyond.

Presented by youth arts charity Creative Youth, FUSE International champions fearless storytelling, experimentation, and connection at a time when many young voices feel pushed to the margins.

"FUSE International is where the world's next great artists take centre stage," said Artistic Director Petra Jane Tauscher.

"It's a space for risk-taking, innovation and joy – a place where young voices are not only heard but celebrated. This festival is about more than just entertainment – it's about nurturing innovation and creating space for global connection through the arts at a time when the world feels closed off to many young people."

International Highlights at this year's programme features several international collaborations, including:

The Kpop Hop (29 June) – A high-energy celebration of street dance and cultural exchange between the UK and South Korea, bringing together dancers from Siheung City Youth Foundation, Vital Signz Dance and Kingston College.

The World Peace Concert (4 July) – An unforgettable evening of classical, musical theatre and jazz-pop from the Seocho Philharmonia, ARKO Ensemble, and guest world-renowned Korean artists, led by acclaimed conductor Jong Hoon Bae.

 2024 festival favourites from Bucharest returning with a bold adaptation of A Midsummer Night's Dream reimagined through the neon -soaked lens of the 1980s

You can see the full programme  here.

Creative Youth is a charity based in Kingston upon Thames that exists to enable young people aged 5 – 30 to realise their potential through the arts, involving them in innovative, original and ambitious projects.

Projects include the Creative Talent Programme, a young people's skills development programme, heritage project AMP Kingston; Art, Music and Pop Fashion, and managing FUSEBOX, Kingston's newest multi-arts venue including regular Mindful Art Sessions.