Derry and Strabane Youth Initiative invitation widened to include all generations

The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council’s hugely successful ‘Our Guildhall, Our Space’ events, where young people from across the Council area have come together to enjoy a night of music and entertainment, is being extended next month to include their parents, grandparents and family members and older adults from across the Council area as part of a wider Intergenerational Celebration of Youth.

Mayor Cllr Lilian Seenoi Barr says she wants to make the Youth Initiative event even more inclusive with an invitation to older persons across the Council area to come along and join in the celebration of young people.

The next ‘Our Guildhall, Our Space’ event is scheduled to take place at the Guildhall on Saturday, April 12, from 6.00pm to 9.30pm and young people registering to attend are being encouraged to bring their parents, grandparents or any family members. An invitation is also being extended to older persons groups across the Council area who want to be part of this unique celebration.

Mayor Barr said: “I want this to be an intergenerational celebration of young people in our Council area and for people of all generations to join together for a fantastic night of music, games and food at the Guildhall. I have been hosting this youth initiative during my Mayoral year and it has been a huge success. The young people involved really love it and have been so positive about the experience that I wanted to give others the opportunity to be part of this unique experience.”

The night promises to be fantastic night of entertainment and music for everyone with live performances from local music legend Ritchie Remo, fun, games and entertainment with comedian and entertainer Fabu D aka The Black Paddy alongside the opportunity to dance the night away with Q Radio’s Tyree Patton on the decks, taking requests. On top of all that there will be delicious food served!

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The event is open to young people between the age groups of 12 and 20 years of age, their parents, grandparents or family members and to older persons groups across the Council area.

Encouraging people to sign up, Mayor Cllr Lilian Seenoi Barr said next Saturday’s event is a unique celebration of young and old coming together to share the joy of laughter and music in the historic setting of the Guildhall.

 “I want to invite parents and adults across our council area to meet with young people, encourage them, and explore ways to support their growth in a relaxed and welcoming setting.

“Our young people need role models, and who better to guide, nurture, and inspire them than members of our own community? They are facing challenges that are very different from what many of us experienced growing up. I want them to build resilience, grow in confidence, and believe in their ability to thrive right here in our city and district 

“This intergenerational event is all about bridging the gap between young people and adults. It’s a chance to engage in open discussions, learn from one another, and most importantly, have fun together. Let’s show them that they’re not alone, and that we, as a community, are here to support them every step of the way.”

The Mayor added that the ‘Our Guildhall, Our Space’ events also demonstrate the commitment by Council that decision makers at all levels in the district are making to young people on the journey towards UNICEF UK Child Friendly Community Status.

It also coincides with the Council’s support for Intergenerational week which is April 24 to April 30 when the Council offices on Strand Road and the Alley Theatre in Strabane will be lit up Pink.

The event on Saturday, April 12 is the second last in the series with the final one scheduled to take place on May 17.

To secure your place you must register now and submit your consent form at - www.derrystrabane.com/mayorshub.