An action packed programme of free activities for children and young people across Sunderland is underway, delivered by the team at Culture House Sunderland.
Activities are running until Saturday 29 August at the Creative Smart City Hubs at Houghton and Washington libraries and Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens.
Cllr Ciera Hudspith, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Tourism and Heritage at Sunderland City Council, said: “There is an exciting programme of free activities for children and young people to enjoy throughout the summer holidays across the city, with plenty of opportunities to learn, explore and have fun, I’m sure everyone who takes part will have a fantastic time.”
Across the Washington and Houghton hubs and Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens throughout the summer, under fours can enjoy Summer Crafts, celebrating this year’s Summer Reading Challenge theme, ‘Read to the Beat’, with the chance to design and make their own musical creations.
At the Washington and Houghton hubs little ones can get the chance to experience singing, dancing and playing instruments with the weekly Rhyme and Shine sessions. Slightly older children can enjoy Crafty Kids activity, the relaxed drop ins – for those four and over – provide the chance to chat and create.
The fortnightly storytimes at both venues, Saturday Stories, provides a relaxed, welcoming space, ideal for three- to eight-year-olds, to listen, imagine and create together.
Both hubs will be hosting Story Explorers with Ashleigh Lowes for under-fives, including singing, dancing, music making and stories. And special sessions designed for children with SEND – Sensory Storytelling with Star Bright Arts – explore stories through music, movement and sound before getting creative with a themed craft to take home.
For six to 11-year-olds, the Houghton and Washington hubs are running stop motion animation workshops, allowing attendees to create their own characters and see if they can bring their idea for a music themed short film to life using stop motion animation techniques. Or there are Lego coding sessions where kits are provided allowing young people to build fast fairground rides, light up model vehicles or get creative with sensor controls, all while learning word-block coding.
At the Washington hub, 12-16-year-olds can take part in a two-day editing workshop from 11 – 12 August where they can learn how to edit film and video and put their creative skills to the test.
Five to 11-year-olds can join GemArts for a colourful Sri Lankan mask making session at the hub, led by Jayamini, where children learn simple techniques, explore bold designs and create their own unique mask inspired by Sri Lankan traditions.
If yoga is more their thing, Danielle Slade is running Storytelling Yoga that combines imaginative tales with yoga-inspired movement, mindfulness activities, sensory play and creative crafts at Washington.
At the Houghton hub, GemArts artist Emma is leading a lively mural workshop where youngsters can paint and design on a large scale, creating a colourful artwork inspired by books and the magical world of the library. Those slightly older can take it easy and get making with some super relaxed crafts just for teens. No pressure, no rules, just a space to hang out and try something new.
The summer programme will come to a close at the Houghton hub with the Summer Send off, a free, fun-filled morning for families. There’s a range of activities to be enjoyed, like storytelling, colouring, crafts, snacks and face painting.
All sessions are free to attend but some require booking. To see the full programme or to book on to specific activity visit http://culturehousesunderland.co.uk/events