City partnership revives autumn programme for young people
Inverness city centre will host a Halloween-themed edition of Street Scene on Friday 30 October, organisers have confirmed, bringing a packed programme of activities aimed primarily at pupils from local secondary schools.
The event, delivered by Inverness BID as part of the Inverness City Partnership, will spread across several central locations and involve public bodies, charities and private businesses. It is intended to offer a safe, welcoming space for young people to socialise, try new activities and connect with community groups.
Activity highlights published by organisers include food and refreshments, a silent disco, arts and crafts, and organised football on Falcon Square. Ember Kafe on Queensgate will host snacks and tabletop games, while the Eastgate Centre will feature catering from Scran Kitchen alongside popcorn and candy floss.
“We’re delighted to welcome Street Scene back, with an even bigger programme planned this year,” said Owen McManus, senior community co-ordinator with Inverness BID.
McManus thanked partners that helped assemble the programme, naming High Life Highland, the Inverness Common Good Fund, Police Scotland and a number of local businesses and volunteers.
Local aims and partner roles
Street Scene has been developed to work alongside third sector organisations and other partners to help keep the city centre safe and welcoming while offering diversionary and developmental opportunities for young people. The stated goals are to foster teamwork skills, encourage engagement with city organisations, and provide positive social activities in the heart of Inverness.
Organisers say the event targets secondary school pupils but is open to young people more widely, creating a mix of recreational and educational experiences provided by local businesses and community groups.
- Date: Friday 30 October
- Lead organiser: Inverness BID (part of Inverness City Partnership)
- Key partners: High Life Highland, Inverness Common Good Fund, Police Scotland, local businesses and volunteers
- Main locations: Eastgate Centre, Falcon Square, Queensgate (Ember Kafe)
What to expect on the day
The programme mixes free and vendor-run activities designed to appeal to teenagers and their families. Sports provision — notably football on Falcon Square — sits alongside quieter activities such as arts and crafts and a silent disco, giving participants choice over how to spend their time in the city centre.
Event organisers say experiences provided by local businesses will allow young people to discover services and opportunities available in the city, while volunteers and third sector groups will be on hand to provide support and information.
| Location | Main offer |
|---|---|
| Eastgate Centre | Food from Scran Kitchen; popcorn and candy floss; activities |
| Falcon Square | Football and outdoor games |
| Queensgate (Ember Kafe) | Snacks, games and social space |
While Street Scene is primarily an opportunity for young people to socialise and access organised activities, the involvement of Police Scotland and other partners aims to reassure residents and businesses that the event is being run with attention to public safety and community wellbeing.
As the city heads into the autumn half-term and the run-up to bonfire night and Christmas, organisers say Street Scene forms part of a broader effort to programme positive, supervised activities that keep Inverness city centre active and accessible.
Further details about timings and the full programme on the day were provided by Inverness BID. Volunteers and local groups interested in taking part were invited to liaise with the BID ahead of the event.
