Playday is the biggest annual play celebration in the country. On Playday each year, thousands of children take part in free play celebrations across the UK.  Playday is partly about giving children and families a great day out, but it also aims to get across some serious messages about play and children.

This year’s Playday took place on Wednesday 6th August in Thornes Park in Wakefield.  The theme was “Give us a Go” and involved ‘risky’ play opportunities for children and young people.

A wide range of FREE activities and play opportunities were provided at the event including jousting, circus skills, mobile archery, bungee run, grand national (with inflatable horses) and straw bales.  Face painting, bouncy castle, DJ mixing, arts and crafts, large garden games and a magician were also provided on the day.

The day was a huge success with a great turn out at our main event in Thornes Park  (1,400 children and young people registered).

Sean Owran, eight, from Ossett said ‘I’ve had a great day, I managed to hit the target when I was trying out archery’.

Three year old twins, Amy and Erin Hunt, from Altofts had their faces painted and enjoyed jumping on the straw bales, an attraction which seemed very popular with the younger children’.

Eight year old Callum Owen from Eastmoor was waiting in the queue to have a gladiators style jousting battle.  He said ‘I can’t wait to have a go, it’s going to be me versus my friend’.

Children and their families were also able to visit Wakefield Council’s swimming pools on Playday where each child could claim a free swim.

There were also 2 satellite events being held in Airedale and Featherstone and water sport activities held at Pugneys.

Along with our other events at Pugney’s water park, Purston Park, Airedale and free swimming at council pools, we will have reached over 2,000 children and young people who were able to access free play activities on this day.

We are hoping to build on this success next year!

For further information, telephone the Childcare and Market Development Programme on 01924 305630.