Summer Youth Sessions 2026
Youth Programme filled with art, nature, food, and exploration.
For age groups: 8–12 & 13–18.
We’re excited to be running a free two-week summer programme for young people in Bristol, packed with creative workshops led by brilliant local artists and makers. From designing banners and creating hanging mobiles to getting hands-on with clay in our Community Pottery, there’s plenty to explore. We’re also heading out on a couple of trips to M Shed and Brean Beach for anyone who wants to spend time together, discover new places and make new friends.
Whether you’re trying something for the first time or building on skills you already have, this is a chance to get creative, meet people, learn something new and have fun over the summer.
When
Various Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays across the last two weeks of August 2026.
Can I come to more than one session?
Yes, you can come along to as many sessions as you’d like – the only restriction is the age bracket.
How much is it to join?
The activities are completely free, with free lunch provided for most sessions.
Book and access the full eventbrite collection here
Programme Schedule
Week 1 – 17 August
Faces from Clay
For ages 8-12
Monday 17 August / 11am–3pm
Join Dan from The Community Pottery for a playful clay workshop all about faces, shapes and self-expression.
Inspired by the bold and colourful portraits of Pablo Picasso, you’ll create your own ceramic face using simple slab-building techniques. You’ll experiment with cutting, layering and joining different shapes of clay to make exaggerated features, unusual proportions and imaginative versions of yourself.
Along the way, you’ll learn some of the basics of working with clay, including rolling slabs, joining pieces, adding texture and decorating with colourful slips. There’s no need to worry about making your face look “real” – this workshop is all about experimenting, having fun and seeing where your ideas take you.
Your finished face will become part of a colourful collective portrait of the young people taking part at St Anne’s House. No experience is needed, and all materials are provided.
- Lunch and refreshments are included
- Please wear clothes you don’t mind getting a bit messy!
Week 1 – 18 August
Aardman Exhibition Trip
For ages 13–18
Tuesday 18 August / 3pm–5pm
Get ready to dive into the quirky world of Aardman animations!
Join us for an exciting visit to the M Shed as part of our Summer Open Access Sessions! This event is for young people who are curious to explore the world of Aardman animation.
- Light snacks and refreshements included but not lunch
Week 1 – 19 August
Postcards from Pigeons
For ages 8–12
Wednesday 19 August, 11pm–3pm
Join artist Mailies Fleming for a playful workshop that invites you to see St Anne’s from a completely different perspective. What might a pigeon notice that we miss? What sounds, textures and stories make up the world around us?
Together we’ll head out on a creative walk around the neighbourhood, collecting field recordings, sketches, textures and observations along the way. Using these discoveries as inspiration, we’ll create a giant collaborative map and an immersive soundscape that reimagines St Anne’s through more-than-human eyes.
Perfect for curious minds, this workshop is all about slowing down, exploring your local area in new ways and creating something together. No experience is needed – just bring your imagination and a sense of adventure!
- Lunch and refreshments are included
- Please wear clothes you don’t mind getting a bit messy!
Week 1 – 20 August
Twist and Bloom
For ages 13–18
Thursday 20 August, 10am–12pm
Join artist Jo Chalkblack for a hands-on workshop where you’ll learn how to bend and shape wire into decorative sculptures for the planters outside St Anne’s House.
Together, we’ll transform our front entrance by creating unique wire designs and planting native wildflower and herb seeds to attract bees and other pollinators. You’ll learn a simple metal-twisting technique, experiment with your own creative ideas, and contribute to a collaborative artwork that will brighten the space throughout the seasons.
No experience needed – just come along, get creative, and help us make something beautiful for both people and wildlife.
- Light snacks and refreshements included but not lunch
- Please wear clothes you don’t mind getting a bit messy!
Week 2 – 25 August
Trip to Brean!
For ages 13–18
Tuesday 25 August, 10.30am–7pm
‘We’re all going to the seaside’ – join us for a trip to Brean Beach in Somerset!
You asked for more trips and days out, so we’ve added a summer trip to Brean Sands as part of our Tuesday Open Access programme at St Anne’s House. It’s a chance to chill, explore somewhere new, and hang out together outside the city.
The day will include:
- Time on the beach for sports and games
- A walk up to Brean Down Fort along the headland
- A BBQ with food and drinks provided
Week 2 – 26 August
Banner and Flag Making
For ages 13–18
Wednesday 26 August, 11am–3pm
Join Bristol artist Amy McHugh for a fun, relaxed workshop exploring painting on fabric. You’ll experiment with brushes, sponges, masking tape and bold colours to create your own unique textile artwork.
During the session you’ll make a personal wall hanging that reflects your interests, personality or ideas, using simple masking techniques to create striking words, shapes and patterns on fabric. You’ll also work together to create a large collaborative banner that will celebrate the creativity of our youth community.
No experience is needed – just come along, get creative and have fun making something you’ll be proud to take home while contributing to a shared artwork.
Please wear clothes you don’t mind getting messy, as we’ll be working with acrylic paint.
Week 2 – 26 August
Kinetic Mobiles
For ages 8–12
Wednesday 26 August, 12pm–3pm
Join artist Morgane Sha’ban for a creative workshop exploring the hidden connections that exist within the natural world. Through outdoor observation and playful experiments, you’ll discover how movement, balance, tension and flow shape the environments around us.
Using what you find as inspiration, you’ll design and build your own kinetic mobile – a moving sculpture that responds to air and gravity.
No previous experience is needed, just bring your curiosity and get ready to explore, make and experiment!
- Lunch and refreshments are included (arrive at 12 for a shared meal by Cibomatto)
- Please wear clothes you don’t mind getting a bit messy!
Book and access the full eventbrite collection here
Lead Contact
St Anne’s House & Bricks
Youth Programme: Since speaking with local residents in 2021, Bricks has been responding to the need for youth provision in the St Annes area. We’ve since launched a regular weekly youth club and delivered over six holiday programmes for young people aged 8 and up.
To find out more about our youth work get in touch with Holly at holly@bricksbristol.org / 07718106953
