Things To Do

Leon Heywood, Nabdeep Singh and Kayne Brown

Dancing, rapping, rock climbing and basketball are among the various events on offer for young people in Derby this weekend, as part of a new government project.

The 'Aiming High' scheme has been organised to give young people more access to diferent activities to stop them getting bored and causing trouble.

Friday sees a free outdoor event at Osmaston Park which will include football, DJ sets and open mic performances.

There are also events planned at youth clubs in Allestree, Chaddesden and Normanton.

Leon Heywood, Nabdeep Singh and Kayne Brown

Saturday has free dance, songwriting, rap and recording workshops at the Madeley Centre in Normanton for around 40 young people to create their own productions for performance later that evening.

Award-winning dance group Trinity Warriors will be amongst those giving expert tuition at the event.

Group member Leon Haywood said: "I grew up in a time when there was just nothing to do and nowhere to go. There was no other option than to hang around on the streets.

"Most of my mates ended up in trouble with the police for drugs and crime and many are now in prison or dead. I really didn’t want to end up like them and took a different path in life by focussing on my love of dance - I haven’t looked back since.

"Giving young people something to do on Friday and Saturday nights is fantastic because this is when they need them most.

"The activities on offer over the Open Weekend give people growing up in the city the chance to try loads of new things, make new friends and learn new skills which they can use in the future. I would encourage as many people as possible to get involved!"

Under the 'Aiming High' strategy, almost £3.2m will be available for extra youth activities over the next three years.

Les Allen, Derby City Council Cabinet Member for Children and Young People said: "These projects have been developed in response to suggestions and ideas from young people.

"We are keen to consult with young people across Derby about what they would like to take part in and when they would like services and activities to be available."

 Derby Open Weekend Events

Friday 10 July

• 6 - 8pm, Osmaston Park outdoor event: To bring together 13 – 19 years from across the city and break down barriers an evening of outdoor activities is on offer, including rock climbing, basketball, football, DJ and open mic performances, as well as information and advice stands. For more details contact John Taylor, Youth Work Team Leader on 01332 345 538.
• 7 - 9.30pm, Allestree Youth Club: This youth club meets regularly every Friday night. For more details contact Chris Morris on 07815 772 869.
• 6.30 – 8.30pm, Chesapeake Youth Club, Chesapeake Community Centre, Chaddesden: This youth club meets regularly every Friday night. Activities include indoor sports and games including boxercise, arts and crafts and quizzes. To get involved call 01332 385 321.
• 6.15 – 8.45pm, Madeley Centre, Rosehill Street, Normanton: Weekly youth club meets here every Friday. Activities include pool, games and outdoor sports. For more details call the centre on 01332 347 509.

Saturday 11 July

• 3-5pm Madeley Centre, Rosehill Street, Normanton: Free dance, song writing, rap and recording workshops will be held for around 40 young people to create their own productions. These will then be performed from 7–10pm later that evening.