"Lads Lads Lads" is a creative project by SIDEQUEST celebrating the voices of young men and boys in Hartlepool. Through graffiti and creative workshops, they explore pride, belonging and what it means to be a lad today. Working with local artists, youth clubs and residents, the project lifts up Left Behind voices and reimagines what strength, care and community can look like.

The project uses an interview framework to capture real stories, phrases and experiences of growing up in Hartlepool today. These voices will shape a sound piece and a series of banners reimagining the Twelve Trials of Heracles as modern acts of care, pride and everyday strength.

Lads Lads Lads is aimed at teenagers and young men in Hartlepool who don’t see themselves as part of the conversation. The project builds pride, confidence and connection, showing that care, creativity and strength can all exist together.

This is Greek mythology like you've never seen it before, in a powerful new project by local group 'SIDEQUEST'. Exploring themes of belonging, masculinity and connection, by reimagining the legend of Heracles through Hartlepool’s own stories of pride, friendship and everyday strength - as familiar places become sites of modern myth.