Youth and Young People

400 Red Riding Hood tulips planted by families, young people and community champions alongside Ashington Town Council.

Ashington’s Memorial Garden was alive with colour, laughter and plenty of busy hands this morning as families, young people and community volunteers joined Ashington Town Council for a morning of joyful community planting.

Together, everyone planted 400 Red Riding Hood tulip bulbs – chosen for their striking red blooms, a fitting tribute in the garden that honours the town’s fallen – along with a scattering of hyacinths, all ready to burst into colour next spring.

Those planting were supported by Ryan, the Town Council’s Neighbourhood Services Officer, Tim and Sean from Northumberland County Council, and Cllr Louis Brown, who all rolled up their sleeves and got stuck in.

Ashington Town Council has a busy October half term lined up for families.

Ashington’s first-ever junior parkrun will burst into life on Sunday 4th October at Hirst Welfare Centre — and every child, family and cheerleader in the town is invited.

Ashington Town Council has approved £2,760 from their youth budget to help Wansbeck Community Links establish a daily base within Ashington YMCA, supporting some of the town’s most vulnerable young people.

Northumberland College has partnered with Bernicia Homes and Dukes Secondary School to launch a new academy which will give young people aged 14-16 the opportunity to develop technical skills while studying for a vocational qualification.

The employer-led Construction Academy will bring education and industry closer together, helping students from Duke’s gain industry experience, build confidence and explore careers in one of the region’s fastest-growing sectors.

Ashington’s People’s Park was filled with music, colour and community spirit on Saturday as the town played host to the inaugural Sound Futures Festival

Ashington’s Civic Head, Councillor Caroline Ball, joined children and staff from Wildfox Day Nursery for a community litter pick at People’s Park on Thursday 20 August, helping to promote the importance of caring for the local environment from a young age.

Ashington Town Council’s Civic Head, Cllr Caroline Ball, was delighted to attend Reiverdale Scout Group’s awards ceremony on Wednesday 15 July 2026, celebrating the achievements of the Squirrels, Beavers, Cubs and Scout sections.

Families gathered in the sunshine to celebrate the official opening of the newly refurbished North Seaton Colliery Play Area, marking the start of the school summer holidays in the best possible way.

Ashington Town Council is once again funding free swimming sessions at Ashington Leisure Centre throughout the summer holidays, giving local families a fun, safe and cost-free way to enjoy the school break.

The popular free swim initiative returns from Wednesday 22 July to Saturday 29 August 2026, with two sessions running every week:

Every Wednesday, 1:00pm to 2:00pm Every Saturday, 2:30pm to 3:30pm

There is no need to book – simply turn up at Ashington Leisure Centre to claim a free swim. Eighty slots are available at each session, allocated on a first come, first served basis, so swimmers are encouraged to arrive in good time.