Summertime fun is child's play with Breeze In The Park

Organised by Leeds City Council, the roadshow-style programme will see a total of 26 low-cost play days taking place in local communities over the next month.

Each event will be held in a different park or green space and will feature interactive activities such as arts, crafts, sports and games together with Breeze’s much-loved giant inflatables.

The programme gets under way tomorrow (Wednesday, July 23) at Belle Isle’s Coopers Field and will finish at Wortley Recreation Ground on August 21.

In between times, events will take place in Armley, Beeston, Bramhope, Bramley, Burmantofts, Cross Gates, Drighlington, East Ardsley, East End Park, Farsley, Garforth, Harehills, Horsforth, Kirkstall, Middleton, Morley, Otley, Potternewton, Pudsey, Rothwell, Seacroft, Tinshill, Woodhouse and Yeadon.

The visits to Armley, Beeston, Bramhope, Cross Gates, East Ardsley, East End Park, Harehills, Kirkstall, Middleton, Morley, Potternewton and Wortley will include quieter and more relaxed sessions for those with additional needs. Extra staff will be on hand to offer assistance at these sessions, with queuing kept to a minimum and designated parking provided where possible.

A summertime staple in local parks since 2004, Breeze-themed events have become renowned over the years for their focus on fun, inclusivity and value for money.

The wider city’s commitment to those same principles means there are no shortage of other free, low-cost or pay-as-you-can entertainment options for children and young people in Leeds during the school holidays.

And to help families plan their to-do lists, the council’s Child Friendly Leeds team has now produced – with support from partners and stakeholders – a handy guide giving full details of what’s on and when.

The guide covers everything from magic shows at Leeds City Museum and workshops at Leeds Discovery Centre to film screenings at Hyde Park Picture House and children’s activities at Leeds Kirkgate Market – as well, of course, as Breeze In The Park.

Also featured is Wonderland Awaits, an immersive city centre trail of Lewis Carroll-themed installations that runs from July 26 to August 31 and will take in landmark locations such as the Corn Exchange, the Royal Armouries and the Victoria Quarter.

The release of the guide aligns with one of the key goals of the Child Friendly Leeds ’12 Wishes’ action plan, which was developed using views gathered from 80,000 children and young people.

Wish number seven of the 12 wishes in the plan is focused on the need to ensure that information about events, activities, groups, cultural experiences and days out is communicated and promoted as effectively as possible.

Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture, said:

“Breeze In The Park is a much-loved part of summer for children and young people across the city and I’m sure they, like me, will be delighted that it’s back once again.

“By making the events low-cost, taking them out into so many different communities and running sessions for those with additional needs, we aim to ensure they are as accessible and inclusive as possible.

“My thanks go to all the organising team for their hard work in making Breeze In The Park a success year in, year out.”

Councillor Helen Hayden, Leeds City Council’s executive member for children and families, said:

“Our summer events guide is an excellent illustration of how Child Friendly Leeds is endeavouring to make this the best city in the country to grow up in.

“The range of activities detailed in the guide is truly impressive and it’s our hope that it contains something for everyone.

“This has been a really positive and collaborative project, with the support the Child Friendly Leeds team has received from partners and stakeholders being great to see.”

All of the Breeze In The Park events will have one main session, running from midday to 4pm.

Additional needs sessions will run from 11am to midday, with those attending them being welcome to stay on for the afternoon activities at no extra charge.

Tickets for all sessions cost £1 each and must be bought in advance. Purchases can be made here or, for additional needs sessions, here. A full list of event dates and locations can be found on the same web pages.

Breeze In The Park is funded with the generous support of the council’s network of local community committees.

Breeze Pass holders get fast-track access to some of the most popular inflatable attractions. Please note, pass holders must still purchase tickets in advance.

ENDS