Fun for all the family - National Playday 2020

This article is 4 years old

Press Release

Published on 29 July 2020
Archived on 29 August 2020


National Playday, on Wednesday 5 August, will focus on the unique characteristics of play which help children make sense of the world around them, and can alleviate their stress and anxiety.

Due to social distancing restrictions, Stratford-on-Avon District Council is unable to organise the usual Playday activities that would take place at the Recreation Ground in the town.

National Playday is the biggest play sector event in the UK and is traditionally held on the first Wednesday in August. As well as a celebration of children's right to play, Playday is a campaign that highlights the importance of play in children's lives.

This year, we are encouraging families to celebrate children's right to play at home, in play areas and using other free facilities. We will be using our social media platforms and our website to provide information about the play areas and open spaces across Stratford-on-Avon District.

The Playday 2020 theme 'Everyday Freedoms, Everyday Adventures', aims to highlight the importance of giving children and teenagers the freedom to play and have everyday adventures. As well as celebrating children's right to play, the Playday 2020 campaign recognises the impact of government restrictions and physical distancing on children's mental health and opportunities to play freely with friends and in their community.

As in previous years, we are calling on families and carers to support children to play in carefree ways, on Playday and every day! Children will play wherever they are and whenever they can - adults can support this by making play a part of our daily life.

We are also calling on families, carers, and communities across the UK to join the celebration of play from their doorsteps and clap, cheer, bang pots and pans, and generally 'Make a Big Noise for Playday' at 2pm on Wednesday 5 August.

For more information please visit the Playday 2020 website - https://www.playday.org.uk/

Share your plans on social media by using the #Playday2020 hashtag.

Recognising the importance of children's play is more important than ever.

  • Playing is fun and is central to children's happiness.
  • Playing helps children's physical, mental and emotional health and well-being.
  • Playing boosts children's resilience, enabling them to cope with stress, anxiety and challenges.
  • Playing supports children to develop confidence, creativity and problem-solving skills.
  • Playing contributes to children's learning and development.


National Playday is coordinated by Play England.


Contact details

Stratford-on-Avon District Council
Elizabeth House, Church Street,
Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire,
CV37 6HX
Tel: 01789 267575

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Last updated on 29/07/2020