The Youth Arts Centre is opening its doors again to the public on Sunday 6th September from 11 – 4 pm.

"We are inviting anyone who is interested in the work of the Youth Arts Centre (or YAC as it is commonly known) or maybe used to attend the popular youth club, the art school or even in its guises as a gymnasium, judo club, or perhaps had relatives who worked there during the first World War when it was used as a glove factory." said Head of Youth Arts Fiona Helleur. "It is five years since it first became the Youth Arts Centre and we would like to show the people of the island what we have been doing in that time. We regularly get people wanting to just have a look around the building and see what it is, or remember it how it was when they were last inside and this is an opportunity to let everyone in."

The Victorian Atrium on top of the building has recently been restored to its former glory and is now renovated to an extraordinarily high standard, opening up windows that have been sealed off for many years allowing natural light into the stairwell and a offering a view across the rooftops of Douglas that has not been seen for a very long time.

"There will be guided tours of the building to show off the 130 seat theatre with a workshop from TheatreFest, the Dance Studio, there will be demonstrations of dance from the various groups including tap, contemporary, ballet as well as from street dance group Represent and Ballroom company Step in Time. Members from Douglas SoundCheck will be having acoustic sessions in the Basement and there will be music from the various singing groups Upstairs as well as a chance to look round the extensive props and costumes owned and created by members of the YAC, including our home made Dalek that was recently a hit at Douglas Carnival and our replica suit of armour that has graced many a production at the Gaiety as well appearing in a ghost tour or two. Teas and cakes will be available in the Basement and there will be an opportunity for visitors to talk to staff and members about what goes on at the YAC. It's an opportunity not to be missed.Entrance is free and we would like to encourage as many people as possible to take up this chance to see inside one of the hidden treasures of the island."

Photo - Musical Theatre at the YAC in a production of Back to the '80's.