 We're excited to announce a FREE summer programme for young people in Ashington to explore what music means to them, share what inspires them and have a go at creating their own songs. Building on the success of our Sounding Board Youth Theatre Project we are creating free, bookable, open access sessions over the summer holidays at YMCA Northumberland, to give more young people the chance to explore the expressive power of music. Participants can have a go at playing instruments, writing lyrics, trying out digital music production and using a recording studio, guided by our fantastic professional guest musician Calum Howard and our team of friendly and creative Theatre Practitioners and Youth Workers. We will be guided by the interests and ideas of our groups, making original music that expressed what really matters to them. These sessions were created in partnership with YMCA Northumberland's Changemakers project, which uses the power of music to encourage young people to make positive change in their community.  Photo of young people playing guitar and keyboard from Sounding Board Live Rehearsals at Riding Mill Parish Hall. Photo Credit Von Fox Bandcamp will be relaxed, fun and perfect for anyone, regardless of experience. We’ll use fun games to help the group learn musical skills, build their confidence, make new friends and express their creative spark. Sessions will take place on Monday 12th, Tuesday 13th and Wednesday 14th of August at YMCA Northumberland. For ages 10-13 1.30 pm - 3.30 pm For ages 14-18 4 pm - 6 pm These sessions are completely FREE and booking is essential. Places are limited and we recommend coming to each day for the best experience but we can accommodate people if they aren’t able to do so, please let us know when you sign up. If you have any questions or would like to discuss the sessions get in touch by emailing [email protected] or calling 07594 798 073. Please help us get the word out and share this news post with anyone you think may be interested.
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 Guest artist Pui Lee running an origami workshop in summer 2023, Photo Credit Von Fox We’ve got an exciting summer coming up, where we will be getting out and about at events across Northumberland, meeting lots of you lovely people and running some fun art-based activities. Last Saturday (29th June) we took part in Northumberland College Ashington Community Day, where visitors could try out a wide range of activities, from meeting exotic animals, to taking part in sporting challenges and trying out some crafts and woodworking. The day also served as a fantastic opportunity to find out what’s on offer at the college. We ran a badge-making activity, and we loved seeing the fabulous designs people were creating and we equally enjoyed chatting with people and hearing about memories and experiences of youth theatre. It was also great seeing the thoughtful contributions to our community bunting, where we asked people to share wishes for the future… We will be asking for contributions to our community bunting at events throughout the summer! Our aim is to gather all the ideas from this collaborative project to create a digital version of the bunting and possibly even a physically version, serving as a beautiful and meaningful reminder of our collective hopes and dreams that will last many years. Join us at these upcoming events:  Alt text: Poster for Ashington Community fair. "Sunday 7th July 11am to 4pm, People's Park, Institute Road, Ashington. Join us for lots of fun! Fairground rides, live music, childrens activities, tea tent, entertainment, market stalls, yummy food and much more!" Ashington Community Fair Day- Sunday 7th July (11 am-3.30 pm) at People’s Park Ashington This Sunday we will be at People’s Part running a nature-themed origami-making activity with our lovely guest artist Pui Lee and inviting visitors to contribute to our community bunting. We will also have some colouring sheets that are perfect for younger children or anyone who just wants a relaxing few minutes. It’s set to be a fantastic day with an exciting lineup of local musical talent, a great selection of market stalls and thrilling rides and amusements. Find out more on the Ashington Town Council Website  Alt text: Poster advertising Blyth Family Pride stating "Join us at the Blyth Central Family Hub. This event is free to attend and suitable for all ages, 103 Wright St, Blyth, NE24 1HG" The poster lists activities including LGBTQIA+ stalls, live music, face painter, sport activities, sensory room and food. Blyth Family Pride- Saturday 24th August (12 pm- 4 pm) at Central Blyth Family Hub Pride Action North and Central Blyth Family Hub are coming together for this celebration of LGBTQIA+ people in Northumberland! We have been invited to run a colourful flag-making activity encouraging visitors to explore and celebrate all the wonderful things that make them unique. Come along to try out this fun activity and enjoy a cosy chat. Across the event there will be something for everyone with craft activities, face painting, live music and lots of info about welcoming social groups and support available for young LGBTQIA+ people and families in the area. Find out more on the Pride Action North Website  Sounding Board graphic And join us for… Sounding Board: Live 13th July at Riding Mill Parish Hall Sounding Board: Live is a joyful celebration of music, activism and creativity, showcasing performances that our youth theatre groups have been creating this term. Sounding Board is a Mortal Fools project, created to give our Youth Theatre members opportunities to explore the expressive power of music. This bold and hopeful project is inspired by the DIY music scene, and based on the belief that young people can use their voices to speak up about what matters to them through music. Our Mortal Fools Youth Theatre members have transformed Riding Mill Parish Hall into a vibrant DIY Creative Music Hub for this immersive live event. Feast your eyes and ears on dynamic music videos, inventive stories, and powerful spoken word performances. Leave behind the humdrum of everyday life and let your imagination run wild as we see what a youth-led future could be... Find out more on our Sounding Board Project Page This Autumn we will also be holding community screening events of the imaginative films created by our youth theatre groups. Keep your eyes peeled for more details!  Alt text: A map of Ashington, showing the businesses and activities people want to see in the future, including food markets, a skate park, a community lead cafe, affordable community cinema and better, more affordable housing And finally, we want to share this fantastic collaborative map! Across 2023 and the first half of this year, at various Ashington events and across projects, we've been asking young people what they want the Ashington of the future to look like. It’s been so eye-opening to see what people currently value and the creative ideas people have for the future. Have a fantastic summer, and we hope to see you soon, along with some warm summery weather!
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