Waterfront Hall becomes 'Free House' for kids

Belfast's Waterfront Hall has launched its biggest ever youth programme called 'Free House'.

Funded by the Laganside Corporation, the programme seeks to provide entertainment and opportunities for a wide range of young people from across the city and further afield.

The programme, run jointly by the Waterfront Hall, Challenge for Youth and the Belfast Education and Library Board, includes everything from animation workshops for the under-11s, abseiling, ‘banana boat’ trips on the Lagan and workshops involving the Gamelan - an Indonesian percussion orchestra.

Adam Turkington, Arts and Community Co-ordinator at the Waterfront Hall, said: "The young people who hang around outside the building are often seen by some as a problem rather than an important part of the culture of the Waterfront and its surroundings.

"This year, instead of investing money in a few extra security guards over the summer, we decided to come up with some cool alternatives for the kids. Instead of chasing them away, we decided to open the doors and have a laugh."

Lyndsay Truesdale is a Challenge for Youth Development Worker who will be based at the Waterfront Hall for the duration of the project.

She said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for all the young people who use the city centre to come and get involved in a wide programme of fun and challenging activities throughout August."

(MB)