Searching for the #BestTest this summer!

Young people are being encouraged to carry out rapid Covid tests and showcase their talents on social media this summer – for a chance to win £1,000 of Apple technology!

 A creative competition called #BestTest will be running across TikTok, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram throughout the summer holidays to encourage young people aged 11 to 18 to continue their twice-weekly lateral flow tests, to keep themselves and others safe.

Prizes will be given out each week to the most creative test-takers, and each of the weekly winners will go into a prize draw for the chance to win £1,000 to spend at the Apple store!

Photo and video entries should tag Blackburn with Darwen Council’s social media accounts in their post and use the hashtag #BestTest to be in with a chance of winning the fantastic prizes on offer.

Entries can also be emailed in to prandcommunications@blackburn.gov.uk.

 The competition, run by the Council, leaves the content in the hands of the young creators – simply requesting that they take a rapid Covid test in a safe way without any bad language or inappropriate content.

 Coun Julie Gunn, Executive Member for Children & Young People at Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council, said:

The campaign wants to encourage young people aged 11 plus to carry on taking their lateral flow tests over the summer to keep themselves and their friends and families safe – with a twist.

We know that our young people have suffered during the pandemic, with periods of self-isolation and missing the social side of growing up. We want them all to have the best summer, that’s why we’re suggesting they #BestTest. 

By taking regular tests even if you have no symptoms, you can minimise the chances of putting others at risk.

It’s especially important as we move to opening up fully and relaxing the restrictions from July 19.

Nicola Bradley, head coach at Blackburn with Darwen Acrobatic Gymnastics Club, praised the campaign.

One of her club gymnasts, 13 year old Darcey Merrick,  is among the first to record a video for the campaign – showing her performing back flips before conducting the test.

 Nicola said:

The #BestTest campaign is a fantastic way of getting young people involved and inspiring them to take responsibility for testing and also trying new activities.

Acrobatic gymnastics is a team sport. As a club we encourage the gymnasts to regularly test to keep each other safe.

Rapid tests are widely available across Blackburn with Darwen – collect from some community centres, pharmacies and our rapid testing hubs. Find your nearest at www.blackburn.gov.uk/get-a-test, or order online at www.gov.uk.

 

Competition terms and conditions

The #BestTest competition is open to young people from Blackburn with Darwen aged 11-18. Proof of age may need to be produced by the winners to claim their prize.

All entrants should have parental permission to share their photos and videos and enter the competition.

One winner will be chosen from across all the social media platforms – Facebook, TikTok, Twitter and Instagram – and email entries each week and the winner will be notified via the channel they used to enter.

The winner will be required to pose or submit a photo of them receiving their prize to further promote the campaign. This will be shared via Blackburn with Darwen Council’s digital channels. They may also be required to be included within a short story about their entry into the #BestTest competition.

Entries that use foul language or dangerous behaviour will be discounted from the competition.

For fairness and transparency, winners must not be related to people who work at Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council or Viva PR.