Playday in Carrickfergus

Playday is the national day for play and takes place on Wednesday 6th August from 11am to 3pm in the Marine Gardens in Carrickfergus. To celebrate Playday, children, young people and communities get out and play at hundreds of community events across the UK. As well as a celebration, Playday is an opportunity to campaign on issues affecting children's play. 

 

Alderman May Beattie, Chairperson of the Parks, Countryside and Amenities Sub-Committee said “This is a great opportunity to enjoy the Marine Gardens Play Area and for Playday we have a number of additional free activities such as a bouncy castle, face painting, balloon modeling, Punch and Judy and DJ on site.” 

 

Alderman Beattie added “Play is such an important part of any child's development and Playday provides a fantastic opportunity to celebrate it and promote its many benefits. It also highlights the benefits of imaginative play to parents and communities.”  

 

“Outdoor play is vital for any child, providing stimuli to learn and the health benefits of being in the open air. The range of play opportunities on offer in Carrickfergus Borough is extensive and gives parents and carers some great opportunities to get outdoors with their youngsters".  

 

“Getting outside to play is healthy. It’s part of a healthy lifestyle. Play reduces stress and helps fight the obesity epidemic in our society today. So many good things come from good play.”  

 

“This year, we're calling on everyone to celebrate Playday 2014 and show why play is fundamental to children's enjoyment of childhood, and vital to their health, well-being and development. In light of government cuts to play services across the country, it is more crucial than ever that we unite to stand up for play.” 

 

“Carrickfergus Borough Council has set out a clear committed to children’s play with a mission to create child and family friendly play spaces which will support our young people in building relationships and learning new skills that will positively develop their capacity both socially and emotionally. Last year we published our play strategy for the Borough and the ‘Children’s Charter’ which set out our ten pledges to the children and young people of Carrickfergus Borough and how Carrickfergus Borough Council will achieve those pledges”.  Ended Alderman Beattie

 

For Further Press Information Contact: Stephen Daye, Parks & Countryside Development Officer at Carrickfergus Borough Council. T: (028) 93358000 ~ M: 0793 9633834 ~ E: parks@carrickfergus.org ~ W: www.carrickfergus.org.

 

 

Mia Walls, Jasmine Steel, Ellie Spratt and Ella Ferris from Little Einsteins Nursery in Carrickfergus.

 

Matthew Beck from Carrickfergus.