SOUTH SOMERSET NEWS: Thousands support this summer's Playdays

TOWNS and villages in South Somerset came out in their thousands to enjoy the free 2015 Playdays which took place in 20 communities from June to September.

During the Summer South Somerset District Council organised Playdays in 13 communities and provided a small grant to help the other seven locations to organise their own event.

These events have proved a big hit and more than 10,000 people turned up to enjoy the fun. Playdays took place far and wide including events in Chard, Bruton, Wincanton, Langport and – last weekend - Curry Rivel.

A host of free activities ranging from established favourites like Bugfest and circus skills to more unusual activities such as alpacas and even a junior non-alcoholic apple press brought a splash of colour and fun to towns and villages across the district.

Robert Parr, senior play and youth facilities officer at South Somerset District Council, said: “We offered these events as a way giving families an exciting range of free activities during the summer holidays.

“They are a great way of bringing communities together and I am delighted that so many people came out to enjoy them. These numbers were particularly pleasing given the poor weather in August.

“From getting up close and personal with birds of prey to drumming workshops these events brought a range of free play activities to different communities. Playdays not only increased the range of play for residents but also offered the chance to meet people and make new friends.”

PHOTOS – TOP AND RIGHT: Fun at the National Playday event in Yeovil on August 5, 2015.

Pete May, of Active Learning & Skills, who ran 11 events in five different locations, said: “What a fantastic summer of fun for local children. Despite a few days with poor weather, we still had over 100 children at most events, enjoying a wide variety of arts, crafts, cooking, sports, games, science and water fights.

“So many parents made a point of telling me how great they thought the Playdays were, how skilled the activity staff were and how fantastic our young volunteers were. To see so many happy children, having such fun, learning and trying new things is a great reward for all who helped run the events."

Cllr Sylvia Seal, South Somerset’s spokesman for leisure and culture, added: “Playdays form part of South Somerset District Council’s ongoing work to increase and improve play opportunities for children in the district.

"In time our aim is to empower communities to take on the organisation of their own Playdays and we can help with this transition by offering small grants and any support they need. I must congratulate the seven communities that organised successful events during the Summer as I appreciate how much work goes into making these Playdays happen.

“It was commented by many people that Playdays have a special relaxed atmosphere and it’s encouraging that communities came out in such high numbers to enjoy the free fun.”

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