Sign up to February half term’s creative workshops

February half term is almost upon on us and City Lions is running creative workshops for Westminster’s young residents to get stuck into.

Organised by Westminster City Council, City Lions is a free creative arts programme open to 13 to 16-years-olds residents to expand their creative horizons. And, places are now open for the young residents to sign up for a three-day programme which is taking place during the week off from school this February.

One part of the half term activities includes a workshop on how to become the next big YouTube star by learning how to be a vlogger.

Another part of the three-day extravaganza includes a trip to Pineapple Dance Studios where the Dutch Academy of Performing Arts will be rehearsing its new musical titled Imaginary. Those involved will have the opportunity to try out their acting skills using the script from the musical.  

On the final day of the activities, young residents will be able to explore Westminster Abbey and discover all about how the Abbey celebrates the Commonwealth through sculpture, music and stories.

As well as all the incredible events going on, our City Lions won’t want to miss getting free tickets to revisit Westminster Abbey for their Commonwealth Family Day on Friday 21 February. This includes watching a traditional dance performance from Commonwealth countries and enjoying folk stories from around the world.

Cllr Paul Swaddle, Cabinet Member for Community Services and Digital, said: “Once again there’s a great deal of activities on offer for our City Lions and I’m glad many of our young residents in Westminster will get the chance to develop their skill set and perhaps even make the first steps towards a future career in the creative arts. We’d like to welcome as many young people as possible to join in and get creative this half term.”

Details of the full schedule below:

Tuesday 18 February

• 11:00am - 1:00pm - What is Creativity? at Westminster City Hall, Victoria Street
• 2:00pm - 4:00pm - How to be a vlogger with Three at Three, Oxford Street

Wednesday 19 February

• 11:00am - 1:00pm - Get to know a professional theatre company and watch their rehearsal of a brand-new musical at Pineapple Dance Studios, 7 Langley Street
• 2:00pm - 3:00pm - Get dramatic at a short acting class at Fortune Theatre

Thursday 20 February

• 11:00am – 1:00pm – Explore Westminster Abbey and its history at Westminster Abbey, Deans Yard
• 2:00pm – 3:30pm – A wrap up of the week at Westminster City Hall, Victoria Street, to reflect on the workshops

Bonus event! Friday 21 February

Get exclusive FREE tickets to revisit Westminster Abbey for their Commonwealth Family Day which will include traditional dance performances from Commonwealth countries and folk stories from around the world. Please note this event will be optional and a self-guided visit, not supervised by City Lions Staff.

The City Lions programme offers teenagers the chance to attend film premieres and live sports events, as well as the chance to enjoy exclusive ‘behind the scenes’ access to Westminster’s most inspiring cultural organisations. They also get the chance to boost their CV by taking part in talks, interactive workshops and work placements with some of the biggest names in the creative industries.

To reserve your spot, sign up here.