Aiming high to add spark to young people's bonfire activities in Barnsley

An interactive dance-off, free gym use and a five-a-side football tournament will provide something positive to do while adding a spark to young people’s Halloween and fireworks season festivities in Barnsley.

With investment from the Government’s Aiming High for Young People initiative, youth service organisers have been busy finding exciting activities to keep the town’s teenagers entertained. Sports, arts and crafts, family learning sessions and many other events have been arranged for half term, but the main focus is on the eve of Bonfire Night.

As part of the programme and in partnership with the police they have set up two big events to attract young people’s attention that night (November 4th): a sport-themed one at the Metrodome and a disco at the Ché Bar nightclub on Peel Street.

MZone, a specially-designed fitness facility for young people, at the Metrodome will be the focus of an extended event with a Dance Off challenge, arts and crafts sessions, free gym use and a prize five-a-side football tournament.  The Metrodome itself has also been hired for the occasion to accommodate the large range of activities.

MZone was set up with money from the Youth Capital Fund (YCF) and Youth Capital Plus Fund (YCF+), part of the Department for Children, Schools and Familie’s Aiming High investment, a 10-year strategy to help all young people, particularly those in deprived areas, participate in enjoyable and positive activities which can help develop new skills and raise aspirations.  Barnsley is benefiting from a total of £2.547 million as part of the project.

It offers an interactive dance room, a young people’s fitness suite which replaces traditional weights with air valves and pressure gauges, chill out and study areas and an internet café.  Set up by Barnsley Youth Services and Barnsley Premier Leisure, it is open until 9pm Mondays to Saturdays and also hosted activities during the Aiming High Open Weekend in the summer.

It is expected that around 1,000 11-17-year-olds are to attend the Ché Bar disco in the town centre.  It will feature a professional DJ and there will be bonfire lollies and sweets.  It is a free ticket-only event, which is on from 6pm-9pm.

Barnsley Council youth operations manager Denise Stables said they decided to host two big events simultaneously to give young people a choice of high-quality activities.

She said: “There really is something for everyone here with these two fantastic events- everything from football to showing off your dance moves!  We’re expecting a great turnout to both.

“For young people preferring to do something closer to home, we offer a packed programme of activities, with extra events added for half term and other school holidays.”

Barnsley’s Youth Service works closely with South Yorkshire Police on youth initiatives and together they also plan projects to reduce anti-social behaviour around the Halloween and Bonfire Night period.

Schools Minister Vernon Coaker said: 

"Halloween can be great fun but I don't want anyone to be intimidated by high spirits which can sometimes get out of hand.  I'm really pleased that this weekend young people will have access to organised Halloween activities as part of the government’s drive to give young people things to do and places to go to at the times they need them most.  The government’s strategy 'Aiming High for Young People' has invested £679 million to help areas deliver activities for young people all year round.  Local areas now need to make sure young people are aware of all the exciting activities on offer to them, wherever they live."

More details about both the disco and the MZone event are available from Debbie Riggett on 01226 289237 email debrariggett@barnsley.gov.uk

Meanwhile, there is plenty more for young people to do in the Barnsley area during half term and beyond.  They can find out what’s on by clicking on their area, searching by subject such as music or sports or looking at the special half term activities section at http://www.thingstodoin.org.uk/

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