Free activities for hundreds of local children and young people

(Date of issue: Monday, 27 July 2009)

Hundreds of local children and young people are expected to take part in some free fun activities in celebration of National Playday next Wednesday (5 August).

This year’s event will take place in Tullie House and The Guildhall in the city centre, Bitts Park and the Skate Park (Devonshire Walk car park). If the weather is wet, most activities will be held at The Sands Centre. It will be themed on Make time! and calls for everyone to make time for play.

Organised by the Carlisle Play Partnership, with support from Carlisle City Council, the event has a packed programme that aims to encourage children, young people and families to have a go at a range of activities:

· Tullie House – 1pm - 3pm - Victorian toys and games.

· The Guildhall – 1pm - 3pm - Medieval costume.

· Bitts Park – 11am - 3pm - Sports and games (Carlisle City Council’s Sport & Recreation team), cycling (Impact Housing), natural messy play and fun activities for under fives (Barnados Children’s Centres); story telling (Carlisle Library), environmental play (Carlisle City Council’s Green Spaces team and the John Muir Award), arts, crafts and games (Carlisle City Council face2face children and young people’s team), music & movement (Relax Kids) and general information (Children & Families Information Service, Capita Road Safety).

· Skate Park – 11am - 4pm - Skate Jam organised by SPAM (Skate Park Action Meeting and Carlisle City Council). It will include competitions and coaching, sports and games (Living Well Trust and Marines), general information (Brathay and Cumbria PCT) and Cumbria Constabulary.

· The Sands Centre – 3pm - 5pm - Roller Disco

Cllr Olwyn Luckley, Portfolio holder for Health & Community Development, said:

“This year’s Playday is set to be a great family event. Approximately 18 organisations and groups have signed up and will be providing free activities or our city’s children and young people. There will be lots of things to do and take part in, to suit all ages and tastes. Come along and join in the fun!”

Aimed at children and young people, the event will be co-ordinated by qualified play, youth and sports workers. Parents as well as children and young people are encouraged to attend the event.