Make time for Bristol playday

There is no need for children across the south west to be bored today, as the playday event kicks off in Bristol.

This years national playday theme is Make time! Calling for everyone to think about how they can make more time for children’s play throughout the year.

Bristol’s Lord Mayor, Councillor Christopher Davies will join Children’s Minister, Dawn Primarolo MP and other civic guests, including representatives from Play England, Big Lottery and the Department Children Schools and Families for the opening of the playday. They will also have the opportunity to attend a special play seminar in The Council House prior to meeting children taking part in the playday.

Adrian Voce, Director of Play England, said: ‘Play is an essential part of every child’s life and is vital to their emotional and physical development. Research shows that, through play, children learn about themselves and the world around them, develop confidence, self-esteem and creativity. We’re asking for everyone to make play a priority for Playday 2009.’

A new dedicated website is also launching today. Go Places to Play will have information on hundreds of play opportunities available in Bristol.

Not all parks appear to be mapped so we recommened using Google Earth to find your nearest one.

Bristol Playday 2009 takes place on College Green, from 12noon to 4pm.

www.goplacestoplay.org.uk