A programme of fun and healthy activities is coming up for Sunderland families this summer.

A series of Active Sunderland BIG Community Sports Festivals will give children, young people and their families access to a massive range of affordable outdoor activities and sports.

The festivals will be held on Wednesdays in Sunderland’s parks. Trained staff and volunteers from local sports clubs and community groups will be on hand to supply equipment and give all the advice and encouragement that may be necessary.

The sessions – taking place from 12.00 noon to 3.00 pm – will be hosted in a different park or open space each Wednesday from 24th July to 21st August.

The programme will kick off with a session in Barnes Park (24th July), followed by festivals in Mowbray Park (31st July), Princess Anne Park (7th August), Hetton Lyons Country Park (14th August) and on Seaburn Beach and promenade (21st August).

Just some of the fun activities on offer will be:

Hula hoops

Tug of war

Giant feet hockey

Basketball and netball targets

Swing ball

Mini-golf

Giant Jenga

Giant noughts and crosses

Balance games

Football

Target games

Entry to the Community Sports Festivals costs just £2 per person. If you book online in advance, you can get entry to five festivals for the price of four.

Cllr John Kelly, Sunderland City Council’s cabinet member for communities and culture, said, “It’s a long summer for families with children, and the Active Sunderland BIG Community Sports Festivals provide a great opportunity for people to get involved in a fantastic range of activities designed to suit all ages, aptitudes and abilities.”

“There’s literally something for everybody and we want people to come along and enjoy themselves.”

“It’s fun and a great chance to try out different sports, games and ways of being active.”

(Featured image courtesy of Flare, from Flickr Creative Commons)