It's What We Do – Children's Centres give thousands a flying start
 

EVERY child in Liverpool deserves the best possible start in life. And thanks to the fantastic work going on in the City's network of Children's Centres, thousands of children each year are getting that great start.

In a typical year more than 20,000 children and their parents take advantage of all the great services offered at Liverpool's Children's Centres.

The services they offer are aimed at children aged 0 to 5 and their parents. They provide everything to help children grow and develop into healthy, happy young people. But there's more to Liverpool's Children's Centres because they are real hubs for the communities they serve. Parents can also access a fantastic range of services through their local Children's Centres. From healthy lifestyle advice, to parenting skills, to help brushing up on your basic skills there really is something for everyone.

In fact, your local children's centre can actually help get you a job. Over the past 2 years Children's Centres have helped more than 3,600 parents to improve their skills, boost their confidence and get job-ready. So far 129 parents have gone on to find work and there's plenty more in the pipeline.

Mayor of Liverpool Joe Anderson, said:- "We are really proud of the work that is being done at our Children's Centres. The staff who work there are passionate about what they do and their work is making a real difference to people's lives. We appreciate the value of early intervention to support our youngest citizens and their families. Whilst Children's Centres in other parts of the country have been forced to close because of austerity we made a commitment to protect them. Now we are seeing the real benefits they provide to our communities."

There's a children's centre within walking distance of every community and they are free to use.

We went along to Wavertree Children's Centre and spoke to staff member Danielle to find out more.

· For more information about Liverpool's Children's Centres, visit:- Liverpool.Gov.UK and search for 'Children's Centres.'

Liverpool is all set to hold it's very own a Tattoo!

THE City of Liverpool Tattoo is the 1st of its kind within the City and it promises to deliver a show like no other this over 14 September and 15 September 2018. The event at the Liverpool ACC will feature bicycle acrobatics and pyrotechnic style flag waving to intersperse the rousing chorus of national and international bands and dancers on display.

The captivating 2 hour show has been meticulously created to showcase an international fusion of over 600 acts and artistes, brought together to deliver the spectacular music and dance sensation which has won many awards in its native Belfast. And all the City of Liverpool Tattoo's performers have their own unique 'story' to tell.

'Artane' band from Dublin has performed for every President and Taoiseach of Ireland, 3 Presidents of the United States, 3 Kings and Queens of the UK, and starred in a music video with U2.

'Lume De Biqueira', flying in from Spain for the Liverpool show, is 1 of Madrid's most celebrated marching bands having played for Pope John Paul II and Their Royal Majesties of Spain. They have also taken part in many TV programmes and films.

Dance troupe 'Innova,' famed for adding a modern twist to Irish dancing, will be familiar to many having reached the semi finals of ITV's Britain's Got Talent, Series 8. A cast of 50 dancers will perform at the City of Liverpool Tattoo.

The event is packed full of international flavours, including brass band:- 'Fanfarekorps der Genie' from the Netherlands and the:- 'Historical Flag Wavers of Contrada Di Cori' from Italy. Scottish highland dancers will also give a display and the 'Juliana Bicycle Group' will travel to Liverpool, also from the Netherlands, to perform. The highlight of Juliana's display is a 6 metre high pyramid formation using 9 unicycles!

The City of Liverpool Tattoo will also offer a platform to those bands for whom performing is an expression of artistry and talent. 'Pride of Ballinran Flute Band;' considered 1 of the most professional and practised within Northern Ireland; will travel to the event to perform.

Closer to home, Liverpool's 'Imperial Corp of Drums' will also take to the prestigious Echo Arena stage. Led by Laurie Johnston; now Director of Music; the band performs at many major events in Liverpool and across the UK. The band has also enjoyed TV fame with members appearing in:- 'The Building of the Titanic' and a BBC series called:- 'Lillies.'

Often the most anticipated part of the show is the:- 'Massed Pipes and Drums.' The powerful performance of 160 musicians will be led by 3 times Senior Drum Major Brian Wilson MBE, pipe major David Ogilvie (lone piper at the Edinburgh Tattoo, Glasgow Tattoo and Belfast Tattoo), and lead drummer Alan Craig, who leads the current world champion Drum Corps of Liverpool and Clyde Pipe Band.

For further event information and updates please see:- TheCityOfLiverpoolTattoo.com and to book tickets log on to:- EchoArena.com/Tattoo, alternatively, call the Arena Box Office on:- 0344 8000 400.