CHILDREN and young people across Tameside are being invited to take part in a summer programme of free creative activities with lunch included at The Vale arts centre in Mossley.
The venue will host a range of workshops throughout the school holidays for children aged 5 to 15, alongside free drumming sessions for 14 to 25-year-olds.
A total of 30 “pick n mix” sessions will run between July 21 and August 31, offering activities including music, arts and crafts, cinema and dance, with each session followed by a free lunch for children.
The sessions are designed to provide families who may benefit from extra support during the holidays with a chance to enjoy creative activities and food in a welcoming environment.
Children aged 5 to 11 must attend with an adult. Young people aged 12 and over can attend independently or bring an adult along.
One special event on August 31 will give families the chance to enjoy a live gig experience, with 30 places available to watch Oldham music and dance group Jubacana perform before sharing lunch together.
The summer lunch and workshop programme is funded by Comic Relief and Sainsbury’s Holiday Activity and Food Programme.
For older young people, The Vale is also running Summer Drummers – a free four-session drumming project for 14 to 25-year-olds.
No previous experience is needed, with instruments provided and travel costs available to be reimbursed. Sessions will take place on July 27 and August 3, 10 and 17. The project is supported by the Locala Community Fund.
Holly Prest, artistic director at Global Grooves, which is delivering the sessions, said: “Our activity programme is designed to support families during the summer holidays, giving children a welcoming, creative and sociable space to eat, take part, try something new and connect with our home, The Vale arts centre. All activities are free to attend and you can book on to as many as you like.”
Places for the summer lunches and creative workshops can be booked through The Vale’s website, while young people interested in Summer Drummers can also sign up online.