Teens take over town in free event

Many of the events will take place in Queen Elizabeth Memorial Gardens

Young people are to take over Scunthorpe at a free summer event.

Teen Takeover will take place on 20 August from 11:00 to 16:00 BST at Queen Elizabeth Memorial Gardens, 20-21 Visual Arts Centre, and Scunthorpe Central Library.

The event will include music, creativity, entertainment, and advice ahead of GCSE results day.

Councillor Rob Waltham, leader of North Lincolnshire Council, said: "Teen Takeover is a fantastic example of how we are supporting young people with free, engaging activities that have been designed around what they have told us they want to see."

A highlight of the day will be Imagi-con, a mini comic-con experience featuring sci-fi characters, cosplay, crafts, face painting, DJs, and gaming.

Visitors can have their picture taken with the Ghostbusters' Ecto-1 and the Bumblebee Transformer car.

In Queen Elizabeth Memorial Gardens, there will be a roller rink disco, a BMX versus Parkour stunt show, and interactive music sessions with The School of Beatbox.

The gardens will also host a Teen Chill Out Zone, while Lab Rascals will lead slime-making workshops and a giant ice sculpture challenge.

Believe in Youth will bring their gaming bus and run sports challenges nearby, and Scunthorpe Central Library will offer Ready, Steady, Cook sessions using air fryers.

The UTC Engineering College zone will invite visitors to try hands-on STEM activities and enjoy a picnic space.

There will be live music performances from local youngsters throughout the day.

Young people will also be able to access advice on education and career options, get help with CVs, and speak to teams offering information on next steps.

Waltham said: "It's also a great boost for the town centre, bringing hundreds of young people and families into Scunthorpe for the day, which we hope will provide a real benefit to local shops, cafés and other businesses."

Teen Takeover is part of the council's wider programme of free summer activities taking place across the school holidays. Everything on the day is free to take part in and no booking is required.

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