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Go behind the scenes at some of Andover’s fantastic organisations

Fancy striking a pose on stage, testing your skills on a climbing wall or exploring the latest educational facilities? Andover Behind the Scenes is a brand new event that has been developed to provide a new experience of three well known venues for local residents.

Jointly organised by Test Valley Borough Council, The Lights, Andover College and Places Leisure, the free event will take place on Saturday 15 June between 11am to 3pm. Three venues will be opening their doors and inviting local residents and visitors to come inside and explore the facilities that they have to offer. 

Places Leisure will be running a series of activities such as climbing, ‘play n bounce’, family swimming sessions and junior virtual fitness classes. All activities can be booked in advance on the centre’s website or on the day, subject to availability. They will also be hosting a 5-aside football game and their Life Guards will be offering advice and basic CPR training.

The Lights will be taking visitors backstage for the chance to see everything that’s involved with bringing a show to life. Tours can be booked through the theatre’s website. There will also be free craft activities for children to take part in without the need to book.

Andover College will be letting visitors explore their state-of-the-art educational facilities to show the different courses available and demonstrate how their students refine their skills in a range of industries on site. Tours and many other activities such as Motor Vehicle and Wellbeing Checks and an Esports Tournament will be available to book directly from the College’s website.

Refreshments will be available as usual from The Lights and Leisure Centre cafes as well as pop up vendors in the outdoor space between the venues. Families can have a go at free table tennis outside the venues and there will be an outdoor picnic area available for people to relax.

The inaugural event has been shaped to promote some of the quality facilities that Andover boasts and let those who may not have had a chance to look inside some of the venues get a deeper understanding of what they have to offer.

Ben Stokes, Vice Principal at Sparsholt College Group’s, Andover College said: “We are really excited to be part of the Andover Behind the Scenes. Andover College has incredible staff and facilities including a brand-new Nursing Ward and Digital Suite including Esports arena and Immersive Space. We are excited to show them off to our community and for visitors to see the innovative teaching spaces for local students on their doorstep.”

General Manager at Places Leisure, Ian Souch said, “Places Leisure are pleased to be part of the 'Behind the Scenes' event organised by TVBC and will be providing free sessions at the leisure centre on the day to help showcase the facilities available to the local community. 

“We will be offering free access to the Clip n Climb facility at the centre, free Active Play & Bounce sessions, as well as free family swimming in the teaching pool.  People can book on to these sessions via our website from Friday 31st May.  We hope families will also take the opportunity to see what else we offer at the Leisure Centre".

More information and all links to pre-book activities and tours can be found at: www.thinkandovertowncentre.co.uk

Saturday 15 June, 11am to 3pm