National Playday

City centre stages free day of outdoor fun

Free outdoor fun is lined up in Carlisle's city centre next Wednesday (1 August) for local children and young people, with activities to suit all ages.

To commemorate National Playday, Carlisle City Council, Youth Work in Cumbria Partnership, Cumbria County Council, Sure Start, Tullie House, Capita (Road Safety), Cumbria Constabulary, Cumbria Dance, Early Learning Centre and Team Extreme have come together to play host to a full day of activities following this year's theme Our Streets Too!

Local families will be able to take part in den building, musical and dance activities, arts & crafts, environmental play and basketball. Street entertainment and face painting will also be available. Aimed at children and young people, the event will be staged between 10am and 4pm and will be supervised by qualified play & youth workers and sports workers. Parents as well as children and young people are encouraged to attend the event.

To coincide with the city centre activities Tullie House Museum will also be staging traditional play activities as part of their 'Toys and Games of the Past' event. These will be held in their gardens between 11am - 1pm and 2pm 4pm.

An orienteering trail will also lead children and their families through the city centre, visiting Carlisle Library, Tullie House and ending up in Bitts Park where Carlisle City Council will be staging a series of sports activities.

A "Skate Jam" will also be staged, on the same day, at the Devonshire Walk car park skate park. Organised by SPAM (Skate Park Action Meeting), Carlisle City Council and Team Extreme, the event will be staged between 10am and 6pm.

Music workshops, coaching sessions and competitions will be held throughout the day. Aimed at young people of all ages, all competitors must wear safety gear (a limited amount will be available on the day). Registration is on the day, however parental consent is required for young people aged 16 or under who wish to take part in the competitions. Forms are available by emailing youngpeople@carlisle.gov.uk or by texting SKATE to 07790 801322, with a name and address.

The event is opened to all skateboarders, rollerbladers and BMX bikers. The programme will consist of participants showing off their skills with prizes awarded for 'best trick', 'best effort' and 'best overall' along with a spectator's vote.