Great live performances and activities this weekend in Islington

Local families are invited to come along to this weekend's line-up live performances and activities taking place at Lift, Islington's newest youth hub.

Lift Off! is a two day event (26 and 27 May) which will officially launch the new youth hub in White Lion Street, N1.  The state-of-the-art building - formerly home of the White Lion Youth Centre - offers a wide range of services and activities for young people aged 13-19, with an emphasis on healthy living. 

Visitors to Lift Off! will have the chance to develop their circus skills with Funk da Cirque, take a free dance class with ZooNation, have a health check, screen print their own bag or t-shirt with All Change artists, learn about healthy cooking, try out some football skills with Arsenal in the Community and listen to music being played on The Big Dance Bus.

The festivities will kick off at 12.00pm on Saturday 26 May with a spectacular abseiling performance by Scarabeus Theatre.

Islington Council's executive member for children and young people, Cllr Richard Watts, said:

"We're on the side of young people in Islington and want to help give them the best start in life.  That's why we've protected funding for our youth services despite the Government's cuts.

"Lift offers young people the chance to try out lots of different classes and activities in an inspiring new building with first rate facilities.  Investment in world class youth hubs like this one and Platform in the north of the borough means young people have safe, exciting places to spend time and also use important services.

"I hope to see lots of people coming along to Lift Off!  It promises to be an exciting weekend that will give visitors a real flavour of what Lift is all about."

A gym, professional kitchen, dance and exercise studios, healthy cafe and roof garden for growing food are just some of the facilities on offer for young people at Lift aimed at promoting health and wellbeing.  In addition, a range of other services including sexual health advice, counselling, internet access and careers advice are also provided.

Although the youth hub has been open for use since February this year, the forthcoming celebrations will mark the announcement of its new name.

Lift Off! runs from 12-5pm on Saturday 26 and Sunday 27 May at Lift, 43-45 White Lion Street, London N1 9PW.