A creative hub for children, young people and families is opening in Newcastle-under-Lyme as locals are encouraged to 'Get Creative in Castle'.

Newcastle-under-Lyme BID is set to launch Get Creative in Castle this week, bringing a six week programme of free creative workshops to the town centre over the summer holidays.

The BID has secured a dedicated indoor venue, based at 2/3 Lancaster Building, opposite the Market Cross, thanks to support from Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council.

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 and watch young people develop new skills through creativity."

The programme launches tomorrow (Tuesday 21 July) with local artist LoveShiv, inviting children to get into the summer spirit by decorating their own colourful sun caps and sunglasses.

On Thursday 23 July, Ruth of Hanley-based Drop City Books will host a creative writing workshop for 9 to 11 year olds inspired by Laura Dockrill's acclaimed book You Are A Story.

As part of Castle Food & Drink Fest on Saturday 25 July, artist Holly Johnson will also be leading a special drop in natural tie dye workshop from 11am until 3pm.

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Charl added: "Get Creative in Castle allows us to deliver an even bigger and more varied programme, working with some fantastic artists and creatives from across the area.

"By making every session completely free, we're ensuring that families can enjoy high quality creative experiences throughout the summer holidays, whatever their circumstances."

Other workshops that will take place over the six weeks include comic book illustration with Cartoons by Chris, self portrait workshops with Chloe Breeze Illustration and Paige Sutton, urban sketching with Ian Mood, clay workshops, bamboo art and den building, circus skills, illustration and much more.

All Tuesday and Thursday workshops will take place from 12pm until 2pm at 2/3 Lancaster Building, Newcastle-under-Lyme town centre and are completely free to attend.

Families are also encouraged to come back throughout the summer by taking part in the Get Creative in Castle sticker challenge. Children will receive a sticker for every workshop they attend and once they've collected five stickers they can enter a prize draw to win a range of prizes, including cinema tickets, theatre tickets and vouchers to spend with businesses across Newcastle-under-Lyme town centre.

Workshop Schedule:

• Tuesday 21 July – LoveShiv – Summer themed cap and sunglasses decorating
• Thursday 23 July – Drop City Books – Creative writing workshop (ages 9 to 11)
• Tuesday 28 July – Cartoons by Chris – Comic book illustration
• Thursday 30 July – Gabriella Yoga – Creative arts and crafts
• Tuesday 4 August – Brilliant Bamboo – Bamboo printing and den building
• Thursday 6 August – Alice Thatcher – Creative clay workshop
• Tuesday 11 August – Chloe Breeze Illustration – Self portrait illustration
• Thursday 13 August – Paige Sutton – Creative self portrait workshop
• Tuesday 18 August – Ian Mood – Urban sketching
• Thursday 20 August – Hart Studios – Colourful tissue paper creations
• Tuesday 25 August – Chloe B. – Illustration and printmaking
• Thursday 27 August – Circus in a Box – Circus skills workshop

Full workshop details, booking information and any additional pop up sessions will be shared via Newcastle-under-Lyme BID's social media channels.