Youth and Young People

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.

Ashington Town Council is delighted to confirm that it has approved funding of £4,300 towards the establishment of a junior parkrun in Ashington — a free, weekly, volunteer-led 2km run for children aged 4 to 14.

The decision, made unanimously by the Council’s Finance & General Services Committee, means the full £4,800 start-up cost is now in place, with the Council having already committed £500 earlier in the year. Councillors were united in their enthusiasm for the project, describing it as a lasting investment in the health and happiness of the town’s young people, following recommendation by the Council’s Youth Advosiry Committee.

Ashington’s much-loved Fair Day is being reimagined for 2026 as the Sound Futures Festival — a vibrant, youth-led celebration of music, creativity and community taking place at People’s Park on Saturday 22nd August, from 11am to 6pm.

Ashington Fair Day has been taken over — and it’s got a new name to prove it. Introducing Sound Futures Festival: Ashington’s summer event, reimagined by young people.

Ashington Town Council, in partnership with Ashington Leisure Centre (Places Leisure), is delighted to continue its free swim initiative this Easter Half Term

Engaging with students and sharing community opportunities

Ashington Town Council joined local organisations at Dukes Academy on 28th January for a community roadshow designed to help young people discover the services and opportunities available to them.

The event, organised by Carla Thompson from Northumberland County Council’s Locality Team and Danielle Towers from Dukes Academy, brought together organisations including the NCC Community Safety Team, YMCA, Rape Crisis, Newcastle United Foundation, Pride Action Northumberland, Bernicia, NCC Sports Development Team, Beyond Youth, Koast Radio, Health Trainers and more. 

Ashington Town Council is thrilled to announce the return of free swimming sessions this February Half Term