Children turn out in record numbers for Play Days
Glorious summer weather and a fantastic range of activities attracted a record number of children and their families to four Mid Sussex District Council Play Days at the start of August.
More than 4500 local children and their families enjoyed free games, sports, art and competitions in Burgess Hill, East Grinstead, Haywards Heath and Hurstpierpoint as part of Play Day 2018.
Mid Sussex District Council organised the Play Days, which this year were based around the theme of ‘beside the seaside’ and all the activities were inspired by the traditional British beach holiday.
“What a fantastic four days we’ve had in Burgess Hill, East Grinstead, Haywards Heath and Hurstpierpoint,” said Councillor Norman Webster, Mid Sussex District Council Cabinet Member for Community.
“The weather was absolutely glorious and it was wonderful to see the local community getting together and enjoying the free activities. The turnout was simply overwhelming; with more than double the number of children taking part this year.
“It warms the heart to see so much joy on the faces of children as they play and hopefully our Play Days have added to the many happy memories local children have of growing up in Mid Sussex.”
At the 2018 Play Days children enjoyed donkey rides, Punch and Judy shows, a bouncy castle and a helter skelter. There was an arts and crafts tent, face painting and trained Circus performers were on hand to show the children how to juggle, hula-hoop, tightrope walk, and balance on stilts.
The Play Day events were held on 1, 2, 7 and 8 August as a celebration of children’s right to play and a campaign to highlight the importance of play in children’s lives. The 2018 events have been organised by Mid Sussex District Council with support from Burgess Hill Town Council, East Grinstead Town Council, Haywards Heath Town Council and a number of partner organisations.
South East Water paid for a 1,000 litre bowser to keep everyone hydrated in the hot weather and Places for People Leisure provided monthly family swim passes for a free prize draw. Haywards Heath District Lions donated lots of free prizes, Burgess Hill Lions supplied volunteers to help run the event and Clarion Housing donated £2,500 to enable a Play Day to be held at Court Bushes Recreation Ground in Hurstpierpoint for the very first time.
For more information about events for young people in Mid Sussex contact MSDC Community Development Officer Regina Choudhury on 01444 477495 or email [email protected]