Play Day report 2024
Play Day report 2024
Designed to be fully inclusive, Play Day offers a diverse range of activities that cater to everyone, ensuring no one is left out. The event features predominantly free activities, making it accessible to all. Visitors can enjoy a mix of sports, arts and crafts, and various interactive activities specifically tailored for young people.
In addition, information stalls are available, offering valuable resources and support for children and families. These stalls are staffed by local businesses, charities, and organisations, reflecting the community's commitment to supporting its residents.
Play Day is more than just a day of fun, it is an opportunity to break down barriers and foster a sense of unity within the community. By bringing people together in a shared space, the event encourages social interaction and mutual support, helping to build stronger relationships among residents. In essence, Play Day is a celebration of community spirit, offering a day of enjoyment while strengthening the bonds that hold the community together.
Over 2000 children and families came to join us for the first Play Day organised by the Junior Wardens. This event has run for the past 15 years, organised by Southampton Children’s Play Association. When they sadly closed their doors this year I wanted to keep this amazing event alive so took on the challenge.
So many organisations and charities supported the event, not only providing activities for children but support for parents. A massive thank you to everyone who supported the event.
I am now going to be running this event each year, sticking as usual to the first Friday of the school summer holidays. Come along and join us in 2025, Hoglands Park for a bigger and better Play Day.
Feedback
- Chelle: "Thanks Ian, this is a Southampton favourite in the holidays for us.”
- Ralph: "So glad it went ahead, well done Ian and thanks to all who took part."
- Rachel: “Was so pleased to hear Play Day was saved. We've been going for years and kids love it. Great Job.”
- Alison: "We had a wonderful day, thanks to all."
- Mandy: “Amazing day, kids loved it and I got some advice on housing.”
Our supporters
Without local businesses, community groups, and organisations across the city I would not be able to produce Play Day, so a massive thank you to you all.
Southampton Voluntary Services
“We had a fantastic time engaging with families at the Play Day and were delighted by how much interest there was in volunteering and how the voluntary sector can support families. In my role at SVS [Southampton Voluntary Services], I am really keen to promote the brilliant things going on in communities (for families) and the Play Day was a great opportunity to do this. As a parent, I was so pleased to see a fantastic event be so well attended and give so many a great day out. I look forward to the next one.”
Solent University
“Just wanted to say a massive thankyou to you and your team for keeping the event alive this year.
“Playday is always in my calendar, and I support every year as it provides a vital service to the community especially being able to gather so many organisations at one event, that the whole community can access.
“A fun and an enjoyable day.
“Count on my support moving forward and happy to help as much as possible.”
Testlands
“Overall, I think the event was amazing! It was great seeing so many people all trying new things and enjoying a mini bit of sport with us!"
Itchen Sixth Form College
“A big thank you from Itchen College, we had a fantastic day attending Play Day, meeting members of the community and talking to them about our adult education offer.”
“Well organised, enjoyed by parents and children.
“Shout out to the community volunteers who reacted quickly to the report of a [lost] child."
Southampton University Legal Clinic
“Thank you so much for allowing our Southampton University Legal Clinic to attend the event at Hoglands Park, it was an amazing opportunity to reach out to the community and make them aware of our services in case they are ever in need of our assistance. It was so nice to see so many other organisations there as well that are all about helping the community.”
Family Hub
“The Family Hub team can't wait! We will be hosting fun fitness inspired activities for all ages to get involved in. The team [will] also be able to give advice and information about our services.
“Such a great day. We signed up 100 new families on the day who we can now support.”
Francesca, Employment Support, Southampton City Council
“I thought it was a fantastic event - great to see so many children, young people and parents having fun, being active and engaging with the services you had there! Really looking forward to next year!!!”
Debbie Chase, Director of Public Health, Southampton City Council
“It was great to see so many families from across the city come together at the Play Day. There was a variety of stalls and activities, making it easy for parents to connect with services and offers and make new friends whilst their children were having fun!
“My thanks to all the agencies and community groups that came together that day to make this such a success and I look forward to another event in the future."
Lepsa, Tenant Participation, Southampton City Council
"Wow, what an event! As I was approaching Hoglands Park I could hear the chatter and the children's laughter, so nice to hear! The whole place was buzzing.
“A very nice atmosphere, brilliantly organised event. Thank you Ian."
Other supporters
