Thousands of people will be heading to Highbridge’s Apex Park today (Wednesday, 2nd August) when it hosts its annual Playday.
The organisers of the 10th Apex Park Play day are hoping for a bumper attendance to beat last year’s record attendance of approximately 7,000 people. The free fun-filled day runs from 10am-3pm.
There will be over 42 free activities, including model boats, face painters, inflatables, a climbing wall, dancing, turbo paddlers, zorbs and paint balling.
Playday allows parents to have a day-off from spending their hard-earned dosh to keep the kids entertained during the summer holidays as well as allowing families to spend quality time together having a picnic and exploring one of Sedgemoor’s most beautiful parks.
Sedgemoor District Council contributes £2,500 towards the event, with Sedgemoor staff also attending to marshal on the day.
Sedgemoor staff have also helped the organising committee with key tasks in the months before the event.
Burnham and Highbridge Town Council has given a grant of £1,250 in addition to donations given by the Burnham Lions, Admiral Blake and Tynte Masonic Lodges.
Rosie Pike, Chair of the Playday Committee, said: “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!”
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 again this year, the profits will be split equally between the Playday Committee (and put towards Playday 2018) 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, which becomes more popular each year, to reduce risk to visitors. The car park will be open from 9am-3pm.
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.
The committee are introducing wristbands for children to wear with their responsible person’s phone number so that if children should become lost, they can be reunited as quickly as possible. The lost child point is going to be situated by the Apex play park.
