Thousands of people will be heading to Highbridge’s Apex Park today (Wednesday, 3rd August) when it hosts its annual Playday.
The free event allows parents to have a day-off from spending their hard-earned money to keep the kids entertained during the summer holidays.
This year’s activities will include model boats, face painters, inflatables, a climbing wall, drumming, paddleboards, zorbs and paint balling amongst many others – there will be 42 free activities and attractions in total!
“The event is not just about the activities, though, since it also allows families to spend quality time together by having a picnic and exploring one of Sedgemoor’s most beautiful parks.”
Rosie Pike, Chair of the Playday Committee, told Burnham-On-Sea.com: “All of the volunteer committee are really looking forward to Playday, it is sure to be another fantastic event.”
“I am so grateful to all of the help we have received from Sedgemoor District Council, the committee and all the volunteers – Apex Playday is one of the largest in the country so it is especially important we have a great team working hard behind the scenes. Don’t forget your sunscreen, sun hats (or wet-weather gear!) and water as it is sure to be an action packed day!”
Sedgemoor District Council’s Parks budget contributed £2,500 towards the event with Sedgemoor staff also planning to attend to marshal on the day. £2,000 was also awarded from Sedgemoor District Council’s Small Grants Scheme.
Sedgemoor staff have also been helping the organising committee with key tasks in recent months leading up to the event.
Burnham-On-Sea County Councillor Peter Burridge-Clayton also awarded £1,000 to support this year’s event from his member-held Health and Wellbeing project fund. Donations are also collected during the event alongside a raffle.
To be held from 10am-3pm, children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Refreshments will be available to purchase on the day or visitors can bring along a picnic. Dogs are welcome but must be kept on a lead at all times during the event with any mess cleared up immediately. Should the weather be hot we would ask dog owners to consider leaving pets at home in the cool.
Car parking will once again be available at the Bay Centre, Cassis Close (a short, flat walk from Apex) with free parking at Apex’s Marine Drive car park reserved for disabled visitors. A £1 per car fee is being levied at the Bay Centre car park this year, the profits will be split equally between the Playday Committee (and put towards Playday 2017) and Burnham Rotary who are managing the car park on the council’s behalf. The charge will therefore support the future of the event, local good causes as well as provide much-needed car parking management during the event to reduce risk to visitors. Car park users will only pay the charge once during the day if they keep hold of their ticket, should they leave the car park and then return. The car park will be open from 9:00am to 3:00pm.
Visitors are reminded to be considerate of other road users and not cause road congestion by attempting to park at Apex Park unless a member of their party is disabled. Visitors are also requested to avoid parking in near-by residential streets, please support future Playday’s by parking in the official car park at the Bay Centre for just £1.
Alternative pay and display parking is also available in numerous locations in Burnham town centre (10 -15 min walk from Apex depending on location used). To reduce congestion as much as possible we’d encourage everyone who can to walk, cycle or use public transport to reach the event.
