Hundreds of local families enjoyed a fun day at Pennington Flash Amusement Park on Wednesday (August 7) to celebrate Games Day 2024.
Forest shelter building, archery and arts and crafts were among the free activities on offer at the event, which was organised by Wigan Borough Council's Be Well health and wellbeing service.
Youngsters could also enjoy storytelling, inflatable rides, giant bubbles and even mindfulness sessions, as well as visiting the popular inclusive playground at Lee Nature Reserve.
And despite the typical British summer weather, by conservative estimates more than 3,000 people turned out to join in the fun.
Councillor Chris Ready, responsible for communities and neighbourhoods, said: “Games Day is always one of the highlights of the summer and it was fantastic to see the smiles on so many young faces!
“Play is vital for our children, for their health, happiness and social development, which is why activities like this are so important, especially during the summer school holidays.
“Pennington Flash was the perfect place to have something to do and for the kids to have a place to play, explore and connect with nature. It was a truly wonderful day.”
Games Day is an annual national games festival in the United Kingdom, held on the first Wednesday in August each year.
This year's Be Well event, organised by Gladstone leisure experts, was held at Pennington Flash for the first time, having been held at Haigh Woodland Park in Wigan in recent years.
A more targeted approach to promotion was also implemented, including free bus rides from seven city Start Well and Family Hubs as part of a programme of festive events and meals.
Councillor Jenny Bullen, responsible 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 make friends.
“That's why we did the right thing this year by moving the event to a new location on the other side of the borough, making every effort to attract families from all our communities. It was a fantastic event and it was so rewarding to see so many children enjoying the game and expressing themselves through it.”
Playday is co-ordinated nationally by Play England, Play Wales, Play Scotland and PlayBoard Northern Ireland. This year's theme is 'Play is the Culture of Childhood: Supporting Play, Fun and Friendship'. Find out more at playday (external link).