Barnsley's Great Family Festival will take place across the town centre on Saturday 22 August from 10am to 3pm, offering free activities and entertainment for children and young people of all ages.
The Glass Works Square will host a Summer Carnival Party featuring 17 Great Childhood Ambition partners delivering hands-on experiences including willow weaving, carnival headdress making, arts and crafts, giant games and family activities.
Free Rides and Entertainment
Children and young people under 18 can enjoy unlimited free rides and attractions throughout the day. These include the helter skelter, crazy golf and bungee trampolines with as many trips as desired.
Live performers will include stilt walkers, a bubbleologist, and flash mobs. A circus skills workshop will also allow families to participate directly.
Sensory Support Available
A sensory bus will be positioned at the square throughout the day to provide a calm space for children and young people who find busy environments overwhelming. This addition follows feedback from families at an earlier celebration event.
Base71 Youth Zone Activities
Base71 will host a family fun day with activities including climbing, music rooms and nail art for young people. The climbing wall and rooftop pitch will feature Grassroots Sports Academy's zorbing session and Barnsley FC Community Trust training. Kids Invent Stuff will run a STEM session. Both Base71 members and non-members are welcome. Adults can only enter with a young person, and young people must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
Reading-Themed Activities Across Town Centre
As part of the National Year of Reading, additional activities will be funded by the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority across multiple venues.
The Seam Digital Campus will host an animal-themed adventure with colourful characters, street performances, circus skills and an adventure trail inspired by Dear Zoo by Rod Campbell, published by Macmillan Children's Books.
Library @ The Lightbox will offer musical fun, story sessions and the chance to meet a giant sloth.
Barnsley Civic will host interactive sessions featuring storytelling of Magical Fairy Tales.
Partners and Delivery
The festival is delivered by Barnsley Council's Great Childhoods Ambition, working with partners including the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, The Glass Works, Barnsley Libraries, Base71, Family Hubs, Barnsley Civic, Barnsley FC Community Trust, BPL, Olio and Grassroots Sports Academy.