Yesterday marked the much-anticipated national Playday 2024, celebrated annually on the first Wednesday of August. Playday is a unique event dedicated to the importance of play in children’s lives, highlighting how play nurtures health, happiness, creativity, and cultural exploration. This year, WECIL were thrilled to support the festivities in North Bristol, held at The Ardagh Community Trust. It was a day filled with energy, laughter, and an overwhelming sense of community.
Play is not just a pastime—it’s a fundamental right for every child. Through play, children learn to work together, build relationships, and develop a sense of culture and community. They explore diversity, create, and pass on games, songs, and stories, fostering an environment where everyone feels connected. Playday is a celebration of these values, and yesterday’s event was a shining example of what can be achieved when communities come together to honor this vital aspect of childhood.
The event was a resounding success, drawing over 1,000 attendees who immersed themselves in a variety of fun and engaging activities. Families from across the area gathered to share in the joy of play, with children of all ages participating in everything from creative crafts to imaginative games. The atmosphere was electric, filled with the sounds of excitement and the sight of smiles all around.
WECIL was proud to contribute by running a quiet space for those needing a moment of calm, as well as hosting a sensory activity zone that quickly became a favorite. It was wonderful to see children and families alike engaging in these activities, creating an inclusive environment where everyone could participate at their own pace. The sensory zone, in particular, was a highlight—though we must admit, it got delightfully messy!
This commitment to ensuring every child can access the joy and benefits of play is at the heart of WECIL’s mission. Recently, our dedication was recognized at the Annual Play Awards, where we received the Inclusion Champion Award. This honor reflects our ongoing efforts to promote inclusive play opportunities for Disabled children and young people. We believe that play is a powerful tool for breaking down barriers, fostering understanding, and creating a more inclusive society. The award is not just a testament to our work but a motivation to continue pushing forward, ensuring that every child’s right to play is upheld.
We were also excited to introduce Chloe, who has recently joined our Children and Young People (CYP) team as the South Gloucestershire Short Breaks Manager. Despite it being only her second day, Chloe jumped right into the Playday spirit, fully embracing the fun and getting involved in the sensory activities. Her enthusiasm and willingness to dive in was infectious, and we know she will be a fantastic addition to our team.
This event was made possible through our partnership with the Children’s Scrapstore, and we couldn’t be more pleased with how everything turned out. It was the largest Playday event in the city, a true testament to the power of collaboration and community spirit. Seeing so many people come together to celebrate the importance of play was truly heartwarming, and we are already looking forward to next year.
We’d love for you to join us in 2025—whether by getting stuck into activities, lending a hand at the front desk, or simply being there to share in the joy of play. If you’re interested in helping out, please do let us know!
Here’s to many more Playdays to come, where we continue to champion every child’s right to play, learn, and grow in an environment full of love, support, and, of course, plenty of fun!
