Get Creative in Castle Launches with Six Weeks of Free Family Workshops This Summer

A new dedicated creative space for children, young people and families is set to open in Newcastle-under-Lyme this summer as Newcastle-under-Lyme BID launches Get Creative in Castle.

Based at​ 2/3 Lancaster Building, opposite the Market Cross, the new programme builds on the success of the BID's popular Pop Up Park activities, which have brought free creative workshops to the town centre for several years.

Thanks to support from Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council, the BID has secured a dedicated indoor venue, allowing activities to take place regardless of the weather while expanding the programme to offer two free workshops every week throughout the six-week summer holidays.

Launching on Tuesday 21st July, Get Creative in Castle will host free creative sessions every Tuesday and Thursday from 12pm until 2pm, delivered by local artists, makers, performers and creative practitioners.

The programme has been developed in response to feedback from families and participants, who wanted more opportunities to take part in creative activities across the summer holidays.

Charl Pearce, BID Manager for Newcastle-under-Lyme BID, said:

"Over the last few years we've seen just how popular our creative activities have become. We have children and families who come back year after year and it's been incredible to watch their confidence grow, see friendships form and watch young people develop new skills through creativity.

One of the biggest challenges has always been the British weather. We wanted to create something that families could rely on and that would allow us to deliver a bigger and better programme, so we're really looking forward to launch Get Creative in Castle from a dedicated town centre space.

Creativity plays such an important role in building confidence, encouraging self expression and helping young people discover new interests. By making these sessions completely free, we're ensuring that local families can access high quality creative experiences throughout the summer holidays regardless of their circumstances.”

Workshop Schedule:

Tuesday 21st July – LoveShiv – Creative arts and crafts

Thursday 23rd July – Drop City Books – Creative writing for 9-11 year olds

Tuesday 28th July – Cartoons by Chris – Cartoon drawing workshop

Thursday 30th July – Gabriella Yoga – Creative arts and crafts

Tuesday 4th August – Brilliant Bamboo – Bamboo printing and den building 

Thursday 6th August – Alice Thatcher – Creative clay workshop

Tuesday 11th August – Chloe Breeze Illustration – Creative illustration workshop

Thursday 13th August – Paige Sutton – Self portrait workshop 

Tuesday 18th August – Ian Mood – Urban sketching workshop

Thursday 20th August – Hart Studios – Colourful tissue paper creations 

Tuesday 25th August – Chloe B. – Illustration and printmaking

Thursday 27th August – Circus in a Box – Circus skills workshop

All sessions take place from 12pm to 2pm at 6/7 Lancaster Building, Newcastle-under-Lyme town centre.

Full workshop details and booking information will be announced via Newcastle-under-Lyme BID's social media channels @newcastlebid