A FUN-packed weekend is being planned to celebrate the official and full opening of the new Minehead EYE youth and community centre.

Events will kick off this evening (Friday) with an official opening party featuring emerging local bands and professional DJs.

Saturday will see the official opening ceremony at 10am, which will include short speeches, a breakfast buffet and a strict 'no suits' dress code!

Manager Naomi Griffith said: "We welcome everyone to come along to our official opening and have invited many local organisations.

"We hope that those attending will respect the relaxed nature of our centre and what we are doing and come 'dressed down' for the occasion - it's pretty hard to skate in a suit!"

The ceremony will be followed by a host of activities throughout the day, including breakdance and circus skills workshops, performances and face painting.

All the activities will be free of charge and open to everyone.

"We will be opening our doors to the whole community as well as to visitors for this event.

"We hope that those people who have not visited the centre this year will use this opportunity to come along and see what it's all about.

"It should be a busy day in Minehead with the raft race as well, so we hope we'll get lots of people popping in to the centre throughout the day," Ms Griffith said.

Staff will be on hand to talk about what is on offer, while the centre's autumn programme of activities will also be launched.

Facilities at Minehead EYE include a purpose-built extreme sports hall and art, music and media equipment.

The aim is to provide young people with a place of their own where they can relax, meet friends and learn new skills.

The scheme was awarded £3.2 million through the myplace programme, while West Somerset Council committed £250,000 and the land was leased by Somerset County Council at a peppercorn rent.

Ms Griffith added: "It is so wonderful that the centre is now fully open and we want to celebrate it with everyone.

"We would encourage everyone to spend some time at Minehead EYE this weekend!"