Sam Emanuel684 places available467 hours of classes and courses26 different activitiesSix weeks of funOne venue - The GarageYoung people across the region will have no reason to be bored this summer thanks to an action packed programme of events at a city centre venue.Sam Emanuel

684 places available

467 hours of classes and courses

26 different activities

Six weeks of fun

One venue - The Garage

Young people across the region will have no reason to be bored this summer thanks to an action packed programme of events at a city centre venue.

The Garage, a performing arts venue aimed at young people, has promised this year's summer programme will be its 'biggest, most fun-packed' ever, with 684 places available for youngsters aged from eight to 21.

The 26 taster activities include street dance, stage make-up, theatre skills, script writing, beatboxing, DJing, cheerleading, graffiti art, costume making and lighting design.

Darren Grice, executive director of The Garage, said: 'We're hoping to make this the busiest summer we've ever had. One of the things we're proudest of is that there'll be something going on at The Garage every single weekday of the summer holidays.

'We know that there are a huge number of young people out there who'd love to do these sorts of activities but don't know where to start or are a bit scared of going somewhere new.

'The taster sessions are not only a great way of getting involved for the first time, but there'll also be a whole bunch of other young people who are new to The Garage, too - so everyone's in the same boat.'

The sessions will be part-funded for children from families who might not otherwise be able to afford the courses, although conditions apply.

Sammi Thornton, 18, is one of the teenagers who has attended The Garage's summer sessions for several years. She said: 'You have lots of fun and you make lots of friends. You achieve such a lot in a short space of time. The people who work here are really inspiring because to them it's not just a job, they love what they do.'

Once the taster sessions have finished, rehearsals will start for a brand new urban-themed production of Alice in Wonderland, and then a Slam Night will be held, with beatboxing, free running and breakdancing.

And as well as having fun, young people who get involved with the summer programme can also work towards an Arts Award, a nationally-recognised qualification.

The Garage will be having an open day on Sunday, July 11, from 10am to 3pm.

For more information, visit www.thegarage.org.uk, call 01603 283382 or pop into The Garage and pick up a programme.