HUNDREDS of families turned out for a fun day out at Pennington Flash in celebration of Playday 2024.

Woodland den building, archery, and arts and crafts were among the free activities on offer at the event held on Wednesday, August 7, which was organised by the council’s Be Well health and wellbeing service.

Youngsters could also enjoy storytellers, inflatables, giant bubbles and even mindfulness sessions – as well as having a go on the much-loved Leigh nature reserve’s inclusive adventure playground.

And despite some typically British summer weather, more than 3,000 people are conservatively estimated to have come along to join the fun.

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Cllr Chris Ready, portfolio holder for communities and neighbourhoods, said: “Playday is always one of the highlights of the summer and it was an absolute joy to see smiles on so many young faces!

“Play is vital for our children; for their health, happiness and social development, which is why events like this are so important – especially during the school summer holidays.

“Pennington Flash proved the perfect venue, with plenty to do and lots of space for children to play, explore and connect with nature. It was a really brilliant day.”

Playday is the UK’s annual nationwide celebration of play, taking place on the first Wednesday of August each year.  

This year’s Be Well event – supported by leisure management experts Gladstone – was the first ever at Pennington Flash, with Wigan’s Haigh Woodland Park having been the venue in recent years.

There was also a more targeted approach to promotion, including free coach travel from seven of the borough’s Start Well centres and Family Hubs as part of the Holiday Activities and Food programme.

Cllr Jenny Bullen, portfolio holder for children and families, said: “Every child deserves the right to play and the whole idea of Playday is to create opportunities for as many children as possible to be active, have fun and forge friendships.

“That’s why this year it was only right we took the event to a new venue at the other side of the borough, while making every effort to engage families from across our communities. It was a fantastic occasion, and it was so good to see so many children enjoying and expressing themselves through play.”

Playday is coordinated nationally by Play England, Play Wales, Play Scotland and PlayBoard Northern Ireland. This year’s theme was ‘Play – the culture of childhood: supporting play, fun and friendships’.