Summer play days for children

Kids urged to get out of the house and play

Thousands of children are being encouraged to get out and play across Swansea.

Scores of events are being made available across the city to mark National Playday on Wednesday (August 1).

Swansea Council’s city centre management staff are behind the fun. A host of other organisations are taking part, including Swansea Council's play team, Interplay, Forest School, The African Centre, Flying Start, the YMCA, the Ethnic Youth Support Team, Circus Eruption, the Mid and West Wales Fire Service and South Wales Police.

A pirate ship, trampolines, magic shows, drumming, circus skills, face-painting, balloon modelling and water zorbing have been organised for Oxford Street, Princess Way and Swansea Market in the city centre from 10.30am to 4.30pm. Plantasia will be on hand with creepy crawlies in the Quadrant Shopping Centre.

Swansea Council’s play bus will also be in the city centre on Princess Way from 11am to 1pm. Play on Wheels includes facilities such as monkey bars, disco lights and a karaoke machine. A kitchen and a toilet are on board and plenty of space is available for children to play with fun equipment.

Children from Oystermouth Primary School took part in a competition to design a poster promoting the event, which was open to all schools across Swansea.  The prizes donated to the winners included complimentary vouchers from Ten Pin, Plantasia, Vue Cinema and the LC.

Play events have also been arranged in other parts of the city, including Bishopston Junior School, Bonymaen Family Centre and Montana Park Community Centre.

The theme for this year’s National Play Day is ‘Get Out and Play’.

Cllr Mitchell Theaker, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, said: "Play is such an essential part of a child’s development that, as well as looking at what opportunities we provide for children, we must also address factors that may prevent children from playing. They include road safety, access to open spaces and transport.

"National Play Day will raise the profile of play’s importance and will offer children fun activities across the city.

"But our play team works hard to ensure these opportunities are available not just on the day itself but also on a year-round basis. Their efforts benefit many thousands of children every year."

Have a look at www.swansea.gov.uk/play to find out what Playday events are taking place near you or visit www.swanseacitycentre.com for city centre events.

Anyone interested in play can also log onto www.facebook.com/playonwheels or call 01792 635480 for more information.

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