Flash Company Arts

Tag: art

  • Results of our F.A.B. November snap survey!

    Results of our F.A.B. November snap survey!

    Flowergate and Beyond: Artisan Quarter Community & Business Insights November!

    What People Love About the ‘Artisan Quarter‘

    Independent Shops and Local Businesses
    🛍 Visitors and locals enjoy the variety of independent shops, cafes, and creative spaces.

    Community Feeling
    🤝 There is a strong sense of community among business owners and residents.

    Character and Charm
    🎨 The area is known for its quirky character, alternative culture, and unique charm.

    Takeaway: The Artisan Quarter’s independent businesses, community spirit, and unique character make it a place people love to visit, work, and spend time in.

    What Could Be Better in the Artisan Quarter

    Signage and Wayfinding
    🗺 Clear maps and signs would make it easier to navigate the area and discover hidden corners.

    Community Activities and Leisure
    🎭 People want more inclusive workshops, pop-up exhibitions, and evening or non-pub activities.

    Social Inclusion and Tensions
    ⚖ Promoting respect, inclusion, and a welcoming atmosphere is important for everyone.

    Practical Infrastructure
    🚗 Easier parking and improved accessibility would help both visitors and local workers.

    Takeaway: Improvements in navigation, accessibility, inclusive activities, and community-building initiatives could strengthen the area.

    Hidden and Special Spots

    Quirky Spaces
    🌿 There are lots of hidden yards and corners waiting to be discovered.

    Community Spaces
    ☕ Public halls, gardens, and social spaces offer quiet spots for gathering and creativity.

    Takeaway: Highlighting these unique areas can increase engagement, footfall, and community enjoyment.

    Events and Activities People Want

    Creative and Cultural
    🎶 Music performances, theatre, street art, and creative maker events are popular ideas.

    Community and Inclusivity
    🤲 People value inclusive activities and opportunities for networking and collaboration.

    Family-Friendly
    👨‍👩‍👧 Activities that can be enjoyed by families are also desired.

    Takeaway: There is strong interest in arts, culture, inclusivity, and family-friendly programming.

    Barriers to Participation

    Cost and Affordability
    💰 Expenses and high rent can make it difficult for people and small initiatives to get involved.

    Limited Space and Opportunities

    Timing and Accessibility
    ⏰ Limited opening hours and scheduling conflicts restrict participation.

    Footfall and Environment
    🧹 Low visitor numbers and litter affect the experience and business opportunities.

    Takeaway: Addressing affordability, accessibility, and environmental concerns will help more people engage with the area.

    Business Highlights

    What Businesses Appreciate

    • Independent, creative, and diverse character of the area.
    • Footfall from visitors and events that support local enterprise.

    What Could Be Better

    • Improved signage, communication, accessibility, parking, and general environment.

    Events or Initiatives That Could Help

    • Pop-up spaces, community events, artisan discovery initiatives, collaboration opportunities, and skills development.

    Takeaway: Businesses value visibility, community support, and practical assistance to thrive in the area.

    Overall Insights

    • Strengths: Independent shops, quirky character, creativity, and events.
    • Opportunities: Improve signage, accessibility, inclusive activities, and promote hidden spots.
    • Challenges: Cost, limited space, low footfall, litter, and social tensions.
    • Business Priorities: Collaboration, pop-up events, promotional initiatives, and practical support such as parking and skills development.

  • FEAST BOOKINGS GO LIVE 23/6/2025

    Parents of Whitby – get ready to give your kids the BEST summer ever! 🌈 The legendary Five Star Rated Flowergate FEAST Summer Fun Club is BACK and bursting with creative energy, unforgettable adventures, and laughter-filled days at Flowergate Hall Community Arts Centre!

    🎨 What’s Flowergate FEAST?

    Only the coolest, most creative summer club in town! Now in its fourth fantastic year, FEAST is all about fun, friendship, and freedom to explore.

    Each day is led by a dream team of professional artists, musicians, and activity leaders who know exactly how to spark imaginations and get kids moving, making, and smiling.

    🎟 Book Now – Spaces Are Limited!

    We’d love to welcome your child into our FEAST family – but places fill fast, and this is one summer party you don’t want to miss!

    IF YOU NEED SUPPORT BOOKING YOUR PLACES DROP INTO FLOWERGATE HALL AND ASK FOR HELP! We are here to make this easy for you and can lend you an ipad so that you can log on and book you place. Even if you want to book a FEAST place somewhere else we can hep you to do that as well!

    📩 Email us at flashcompanyarts@gmail.com for support with registration
    📞 Call 07508 641880 for more info

    📍 Find us at Flowergate Hall Community Arts Centre, Flowergate, Whitby, YO21 3BA

    👕 Just bring your child in comfy clothes and get ready for an unforgettable summer at Flowergate FEAST!

    📅 Save These Dates – Summer Sorted!

    Join us for FOUR weeks of fabulous fun, running Monday to Thursday, with flexible dates to suit your summer schedule:

    • Week 1 – 21st to 24th July
    • Week 2 – 28th to 31st July
    • Week 3 – 4th to 7th August
    • Week 4 – 11th to 14th August

    🕣 Daily Schedule: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
    Drop-off in the morning, pick up in the afternoon – easy!

    🎭🎶 What Will They Do All Day?

    Honestly? SO MUCH. And they’ll love every second. Every child gets to choose activities they love, from a spectacular menu of creative workshops and playful sessions like:

    • 🎭 Drama & Theatre – Perform, improvise, and play!
    • 🎶 Live Music & Singing – Find your rhythm and sing your heart out!
    • 🎨 Art & Model Making – Get messy and masterpiece-ready!
    • 📷 Photography – Frame the world through your own lens!
    • 💃 Dance & Movement – Shake it, spin it, strut your stuff!
    • 🏅 Indoor Play & Games – Team up, move your body, win big!
    • 🧘 Yoga & Mindfulness – Chill out in our calm and colourful Zen-Den!

    🌟 And that’s just the beginning – every day is different, every experience is unforgettable.

    🥪 All-Inclusive: Food, Friends, and FUN!

    That’s right – no packed lunches here! We serve up:

    • A yummy breakfast
    • A nutritious lunch
    • And healthy snacks to keep energy levels soaring!

    All included, all delicious, and all designed to keep your child fuelled for fun.

    Let’s make this summer magical. Let’s make it FEAST. 🌸☀️🐰🎉

    #FlowergateFEAST #SummerFunClub #WhitbyKids #CreativeSummer #FEAST2025

  • Flash Company Arts Founder Awarded British Empire Medal – and we are so proud!

    Flash Company Arts Founder Awarded British Empire Medal – and we are so proud!

    Flash Company Arts is proud to share that its founder, Rebecca Denniff, has been named in the King’s Birthday Honours List as a recipient of the British Empire Medal (BEM) for exceptional services to music education.

    This national honour recognises decades of work supporting young people and communities through creative music-making, performance, and inclusive, community-rooted arts practice. Based in Whitby, Flash Company Arts has become known for its commitment to reaching those often excluded from mainstream opportunities and for its nurturing, youth-led approach to arts engagement.

    The award also acknowledges the challenges overcome by Rebecca in bringing this work to life, including the social and structural barriers faced by many working-class and rurally based women.

    Reflecting on the award, she shared:

    “This kind of recognition is never something I imagined. It’s not something I’ve ever worked toward or expected. But when I saw that the award was specifically for music education, and for the work we do through Flash Company Arts, I felt I had to accept it – not for myself, but for everyone who’s been part of this journey.

    As a northern, working-class woman who has lived through domestic violence, and the isolation that comes with being a rurally based parent to children with disabilities, I know how often opportunities and recognition are out of reach for people like me. To have the work we’ve done in Whitby acknowledged in this way means more than I can easily put into words.

    This medal may have my name on it, it belongs to many. To the young people who’ve trusted us with their creativity. To the artists who’ve walked alongside us. To the communities who’ve welcomed and supported what we do. And to every individual who’s helped make space for our work to thrive.”

    Flash Company Arts continues to work at the heart of its community, championing inclusive, accessible, and creative opportunities for all. This recognition marks a powerful milestone in that journey.

  • 🎉☀️ The Countdown is ON! Flowergate FEAST Summer Fun Club Returns for Its Fourth Incredible Year! ☀️🎉

    🎉☀️ The Countdown is ON! Flowergate FEAST Summer Fun Club Returns for Its Fourth Incredible Year! ☀️🎉

    Parents of Whitby – get ready to give your kids the BEST summer ever! 🌈 The legendary Flowergate FEAST Summer Fun Club is BACK and bursting with creative energy, unforgettable adventures, and laughter-filled days at Flowergate Hall Community Arts Centre!

    🎨 What’s Flowergate FEAST?

    Only the coolest, most creative summer club in town! Now in its fourth fantastic year, FEAST is all about fun, friendship, and freedom to explore. Each day is led by a dream team of professional artists, musicians, and activity leaders who know exactly how to spark imaginations and get kids moving, making, and smiling.

    📅 Save These Dates – Summer Sorted!

    Join us for FOUR weeks of fabulous fun, running Monday to Thursday, with flexible dates to suit your summer schedule:

    • Week 1 – 21st to 24th July
    • Week 2 – 28th to 31st July,
    • Week 3 – 4th to 7th August
    • Week 4 – 11th to 14th August

    🕣 Daily Schedule: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
    Drop-off in the morning, pick up in the afternoon – easy!

    🎭🎶 What Will They Do All Day?

    Honestly? SO MUCH. And they’ll love every second. Every child gets to choose activities they love, from a spectacular menu of creative workshops and playful sessions like:

    • 🎭 Drama & Theatre – Perform, improvise, and play!
    • 🎶 Live Music & Singing – Find your rhythm and sing your heart out!
    • 🎨 Art & Model Making – Get messy and masterpiece-ready!
    • 📷 Photography – Frame the world through your own lens!
    • 💃 Dance & Movement – Shake it, spin it, strut your stuff!
    • 🏅 Indoor Sports & Games – Team up, move your body, win big!
    • 🧘 Yoga & Mindfulness – Chill out in our calm and colourful Zen-Den!

    🌟 And that’s just the beginning – every day is different, every experience is unforgettable.

    🥪 All-Inclusive: Food, Friends, and FUN!

    That’s right – no packed lunches here! We serve up:

    • A yummy breakfast
    • A nutritious lunch
    • And healthy snacks to keep energy levels soaring!

    All included, all delicious, and all designed to keep your child fuelled for fun.

    🎟 Book Now – Spaces Are Limited!

    We’d love to welcome your child into our FEAST family – but places fill fast, and this is one summer party you don’t want to miss!

    📩 Email us at flashcompanyarts@gmail.com to register
    📞 Or call 07508 641880 for more info

    📍 Find us at Flowergate Hall Community Arts Centre, Flowergate, Whitby, YO21 3BA

    👕 Just bring your child in comfy clothes and get ready for an unforgettable summer at Flowergate FEAST!

    Let’s make this summer magical. Let’s make it FEAST. 🌸☀️🐰🎉

    #FlowergateFEAST #SummerFunClub #WhitbyKids #CreativeSummer #FEAST2025

  • Lobsterpot Theatre Takes on The Tempest – Youth-led, Whitby-made

    Lobsterpot Theatre Takes on The Tempest – Youth-led, Whitby-made

    Something magical is stirring at Flowergate Hall, and it is not just the sea breeze.

    Our youth-led theatre group, Lobsterpot Theatre, supported by Flash Company Arts, is taking on one of Shakespeare’s most powerful plays – The Tempest. But this will not be a traditional version. The young people of Lobsterpot Theatre have created their own abridged adaptation, shaped by their voices, choices and ideas.

    From the beginning, this project has been led by the group themselves – our amazing young people aged between 7 and 12. They have explored the original text, debated what to keep, and developed a version that speaks to them and their world. What is emerging is a fresh, energetic production filled with creativity, personality and bold reimaginings.

    Lobsterpot Theatre is not just about acting. It is about ownership, decision-making and learning by doing. Whether it is directing scenes, designing costumes, composing music or working backstage, the group are involved in every element of the production process.

    Why The Tempest?

    It is a perfect choice. With shipwrecks, storms, strange islands and themes of power, identity and freedom, The Tempestoffers huge scope for interpretation. The young company have taken these ideas and made them their own – drawing out meaning, humour and emotion in ways that feel urgent and relevant.

    They have worked incredibly hard over the past months, and rehearsals have been full of discovery, challenge and joy. Confidence is growing, skills are developing, and a strong sense of ownership runs through everything they do.

    Live at Flowergate Hall – Summer 2025

    This brand-new version of The Tempest will be performed in Summer 2025 at Flowergate Hall, right in the heart of Whitby. The production promises to be bold, inventive and full of surprises – a true celebration of youth creativity and collaborative theatre-making.

    Follow Flash Company Arts for updates, behind-the-scenes insights and ticket information as the performance approaches. This is The Tempest, reimagined by Whitby’s young artists – and it is one you will not want to miss.

  • Celebrating FEAST at Easter with Flash Company Arts

    Celebrating FEAST at Easter with Flash Company Arts

    This Easter, Flash Company Arts had the huge pleasure of delivering FEAST activities across Whitby and the surrounding villages as part of North Yorkshire Together’s FEAST programme.

    Thanks to the support we received, we were able to offer free, creative, and welcoming sessions that brought local children and young people together for a brilliant few days of art, movement, games, food — and lots of fun.

    A Youth-Led, Creative Approach
    We made sure our sessions were flexible, energetic, and youth-led. The children had a say in what we did — inventing games, choosing activities, and bringing their ideas to life. Over the course of the project, we wrote songs, made snacks, painted portraits, played games, tried yoga, and explored all kinds of creative activities. The vibe was lively, supportive, and full of energy, with lots of chances for the kids to try new things, show off their skills, and have fun.

    Building Confidence and Community
    What really stood out for us was watching the kids grow in confidence as the sessions went on. Some arrived feeling shy or low in mood, but with the right support, we saw real change. New friendships blossomed, creativity took off, and children who struggled at first became more engaged, more confident, and really proud of what they were achieving.

    Food, Wellbeing, and Sustainability
    Healthy eating and wellbeing were at the heart of everything we did. The children helped plan and prepare snacks, tried new fruits and foods, and learned simple ways to stay active and feel good. Physical activity was part of every session — around 90 minutes a day — with lots of fun and movement rather than just sports.

    We also take sustainability seriously. Through our Surplus Food Project, we help reduce food waste, and we’re proud of our Carbon Literacy Award. We also encouraged the children and families to think about their own environmental impact and small changes they can make.

    Strong Foundations
    We put safety, inclusion, and support at the core of everything. All of our staff are well-trained, and we made sure there were clear policies in place so every child could join in at their own pace. Accessibility and fairness were key to how we worked.

    Looking Ahead
    The impact of FEAST at Easter will last long after the holidays. The connections made, the confidence built, and the creativity sparked have made our work even stronger.

    If you want to get involved in what’s coming next, we’d love to see you! Pop into Flowergate Hall for a chat with Rebecca and the team — we’ve got some exciting plans for the summer ahead, and we’d love for you and your family to be part of it.

  • Boost Your Wellbeing with Flash Company Arts This February

    February is shaping up to be an exciting and creative month with Flash Company Arts, as they roll out a whole raft of engaging activities designed to help you boost your wellbeing. Whether you’re a music lover, an art enthusiast, or just looking for a fun way to unwind, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

    What’s On?

    Flash Company Arts has lined up a diverse selection of activities, all aimed at fostering creativity, relaxation, and community connection. Here’s what you can look forward to:

    🎻 Folk Band (Wednesdays, 10:30 AM – 12 PM) – Love traditional tunes? Join the folk band and play alongside others who share a passion for folk music. A fantastic opportunity to learn, collaborate, and have fun.

    🎸 Guitar Jam Sessions (Wednesdays, 1 PM) – Grab your guitar and join in! Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, these jam sessions offer a great way to express yourself through music.

    ☕ Flash Arts Café Sessions (Fridays, 1:30 – 3 PM) – A relaxed, social setting where you can enjoy creative discussions, art activities, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

    🎨 Drop-in iPad Arts Sessions (Mondays, 1:30 – 3 PM) – Explore the world of digital art with expert guidance. Whether you’re a complete novice or looking to develop your skills, these sessions offer a unique way to experiment with creative technology.

    ✍️ Whitby and Grosmont Writers Group (Second Monday of the Month) – A supportive space for writers to share their work, exchange ideas, and develop their craft. Whether you’re an aspiring author or an experienced wordsmith, this group is the perfect place to find inspiration.

    🧘 Happy Seal Yoga (Tuesday Nights at the Hall) – Looking for a way to unwind and reconnect with your body and mind? Happy Seal Yoga meets every Tuesday night at the mall, and you can book directly with them for a refreshing and revitalizing session.

    🎭 Lobster Pot Youth Theatre (Wednesdays, 4:30-6:15 PM) – Our amazing youth theatre is an exciting opportunity for young people to explore drama, build confidence, and work together on incredible performances. This year, they’ve chosen to stage Shakespeare’s The Tempest—a bold and brilliant choice! Best of all, it’s completely free for young people to participate.

    🎶 Whitby Community Choir (Wednesdays, 7-8:30 PM) – Love to sing? The Whitby Community Choir is open to new singers, welcoming all voices and experience levels. Come along and enjoy the magic of group singing in a warm and friendly environment!

    📌 No Booking Required! – All of these fantastic sessions are drop-in friendly, so you can just turn up and take part—no need to book in advance!

    Why Get Involved?

    Engaging in the arts isn’t just about creativity—it’s also a powerful tool for mental and emotional wellbeing. Studies have shown that music, art, and social activities can help reduce stress, improve mood, and enhance overall mental health. Flash Company Arts provides a friendly, inclusive space where you can connect with others, try something new, and give yourself a creative boost.

    So, why not take a break, pick up a guitar, paint on an iPad, write a story, or even step onto the stage?

    Join In!

    No matter your experience level, Flash Company Arts welcomes you to get involved and embrace the joy of creativity this February. Drop by a session, bring a friend, and make time for your own wellbeing.

    📞 Contact us:
    📱 Phone: 07508 641880
    📧 Email: Rebecca.flashcompanyarts@gmail.com

    For more details, feel free to reach out—we’d love to hear from you!