Half term is a blast

Hundreds of residents took advantage of free activities and events hosted by Tower Hamlets Council during the February half term.

•More than 1,500 people turned up to the council’s flagship event, Get Your Skates On, organised by the council’s sports and parks team, on 18th February at Bethnal Green Gardens. Wrapping up warm, the event featured a synthetic ice skating rink where residents showed off their triple axel and toe loop jumps. Now in its fourth year, activities on offer at Get Your Skates On included tennis, athletics, basketball, football, storytelling, face painting, art and crafts, a bouncy castle and a coconut shy.
Eight-year-old Abdullah said: “It was the best day ever in my life!” Jo Croucher, 39, added: “It was a great community event and good to see kids being active.”
Organisations which were involved on the day included Better – the council’s leisure centre operators, sports coaches, the council’s arts, Idea Store and play service.

•Children and adults had fun flipping pancakes and making delicious toppings in Mile End Park on Shrove Tuesday. The Pancake Day event was held in the Children’s Play Park in Locksley Street on 17th February. More than 100 youngsters aged 5-11 and their families were shown how to make the all important batter before tossing the pancakes to perfection and taking part in pancake races.

•Budding footballers showed off their soccer skills at a seven-a-side football tournament on 17th February aimed at teenagers at the borough’s state of the art 3G Astro Turf Pitch in Stepney Green.

•Victoria Park had two days of half term activities, with bird box making in the Hub.  Community park rangers welcomed more than 50 children who made their own wooden bird box and decorated them on 19th February. Children descended into the Hub building again on 20th February to spend a few hours producing wildlife themed arts and crafts, including printing, decorating masks and wind chimes.

Mayor of Tower Hamlets Lutfur Rahman said: “Despite the cold weather, young people and families were invited to try out a host of interesting and fun activities during half term. From baking, animation workshops to ice skating and sports there was something for everyone.”

Cllr Shafiqul Haque, Cabinet Member for Culture, added: “We pride ourselves on providing a fantastic range of events and have lots lined up for the upcoming months and summer.”

•To find out more about free events taking place in the borough visit www.towerhamlets.gov.uk