Young people have loads to choose from this summer with Heatwave

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From animation and virtual reality to music production and barista training, a huge range of activities are on offer this summer for Islington’s children and young people in this year’s Heatwave programme.

Throughout July and August, children and young people living in Islington can choose from hundreds of free or low cost activities to help them make the most of their summer. Full listings are available at www.islington.gov.uk/heatwave

For under-11s, Islington’s 12 adventure playgrounds are fun, safe, welcoming and free! There is no need to book, although children do need to register. Islington’s seven leisure centres and nine pitches have a full calendar of sporting activities on offer, like gymnastics, badminton and tennis, while libraries have loads of fun sessions coming up, as well as their annual Summer Reading Challenge for 4-11 year-olds.

Once again, young people aged 13+ living in Islington can sign up for Summerversity courses free of charge. This programme is packed with activities and opportunities that cover everything from radio, theatre and music video production to animation, graffiti art and carnival cooking. Places are given on a first-come, first-served basis and suitable for complete beginners.

The Launchpad programme for young people aged 16+ is back, with courses and workshops available to help young people enjoy their summer holiday, learn new skills, get careers advice and gain new experiences to add to their CV. Courses include professional barista training, introduction to music production and the Arsenal BTEC and Arsenal gap year programme.

Cllr Joe Caluori, executive member for children, young people and families, said: “Islington believes it is important that our children and young people get the chance to gain new, fun experiences and make the most of their summer holidays. So once again, we are really pleased to offer hundreds of free or low cost activities throughout the school summer holidays.

“The range of Summerversity and Launchpad courses is fantastic this year. The programmes offer a mix of arts and culture, media and digital skills, self-development and healthy lifestyles, as well as skills for life and future career, which is really important to help young people get ahead.

“I encourage everyone to find out more and sign up for courses as soon as possible before they get fully booked.”

Parents can search for activities for children aged under 11 on HOOP, the family activities mobile app, available for free on iPhone and Android at www.hoop.co.uk.

All primary and secondary schools in Islington have been given information about the activities on offer, plus you can also find out more in libraries, leisure centres, Islington Museum, children’s centres and youth hubs.

Search full listings at www.islington.gov.uk/heatwave or call the Family Information Service on 020 7527 5959. Information for young people is also available on izzy-info.com. And you can keep up-to-date throughout the summer on Twitter @IslingtonLife