Libraries to join in festival of fun

HALTON’S libraries are less than two weeks away from the first ‘fun palace’ events at its libraries.

Among the groups and organisations listed to take part are Sci-Tech Daresbury, Friends Of The Catalyst Museum, Palacefields Ukelele Group, Mersey Waves Choir and craftspeople and artists.

Halton Borough Council is taking part in Fun Palaces 2016, a free, nationwide celebration of bringing residents together with arts and sciences, taking place on Saturday, October 1.

Based on an idea from theatre director Joan Littlewood and architect Cedric Price, the first fun palaces took place in October 2014, when 138 venues, locations, communities and groups created their own events.

Residents are still welcome to come forward with their ideas for a fun palace in Widnes and Halton Lea libraries.

The criteria is that proposed schemes must be free, innovative and engaging.

For ideas visit: http:// funpalaces.co.uk/faqs/#easy- faq-782.

In 2015 there were 142 fun palaces across the UK and internationally, with 50,000 visitors taking part.

Cllr Phil Harris (libraries) said: “Fun palaces create events that bring together arts and sciences, but above all people to work together, create together, have fun together, and in doing so build our own communities from the grassroots up.

“There will be a host of activities there.

“Why not go along and see what is on offer?”

Library managers Helen Osborne in Widnes and Alison Hoolihan in Runcorn are organising the first fun palaces in Halton but are still looking for ideas from residents to shape unique fun palaces.

To take part in turning library into a fun palace for the day contact Helen Osborne on 0151 511 8695 or helen.osborne@halton.gov.uk, or Alison Hoolihan on 0151 511 8651 or alison.hoolihan@ halton.gov.uk.

Halton’s fun palaces will be open 10am-2.30pm on Saturday, October 1.