Local families can look forward to an afternoon of space-themed fun and activities as part of Play Day 2015, a series of free community events organised by Mid Sussex District Council.

There will be three Play Day events this year, one in each of the major towns in Mid Sussex, so local families can join in the fun no matter where they live. The days are designed to appeal to both boys and girls and are for children aged under 13.

Families are welcome to bring a picnic and stay for the whole day because there will be plenty going on to keep everyone entertained. Parents with children under 8 are encouraged to get into the spirit by making them a costume and entering the space-themed fancy dress competition for a chance to win some fabulous prizes.

Local children will have the chance to take part in an interactive drama organised by specialist immersive theatre company Goat and Monkey. The youngsters will be part of a thrilling adventure, taking on the role of space cadets as they embark on a mission to decipher a mysterious communication from space. Trained actors will help the children to unravel the tale and solve the puzzles required to reveal the secrets of the Martian code.

Curious young minds will be left captivated by wonderful science tricks and fun experiments performed by the experts from Fizz Pop Science. Not only will the children be fascinated by the awe inspiring show, they will learn more about the world around them and will even get the chance to create their own gooey space sludge.

Creative children will be able to make alien masks, build a solar powered vehicle, make ‘Jupiter juice’ from fruit and, if parents bring along some recycling from home, learn how to make a jet pack from junk. There will also be the chance to fly spaceships, race space hoppers and build a rocket.

The free Play Day events will be held at:

•    Victoria Park in Haywards Heath from 11am until 3pm on Weds 5 August

•    St John’s Park in Burgess Hill from 11am until 3pm on Thurs 6 August

•    King Georges Field in East Grinstead from 11am until 3pm on Weds 12 August

Children will get stamps for taking part in each activity and by completing their card they will be entered into a prize draw for the chance to win the first prize, an iPod shuffle. Three runners up will each receive a £25 Argos voucher.

“More than 1300 young people and their families enjoyed the free games, sports, and activities at our Play Days in 2014 and this year looks like being even better,” said Councillor Pru Moore, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Sustainability.

“It can be really difficult for parents to keep their little ones entertained over the school summer holidays, so why not come down to one of our Play Day events and join in the fun? The children love trying out all the activities and the space theme this year means they’ll also be able to learn some amazing new things. Best of all, it’s all totally free, so I hope lots of local families will join us on the day for what is set to be a great event.”

Play Day is a celebration of children’s right to play and a campaign to highlight the importance of play in children’s lives. The 2015 events have been organised by Mid Sussex District Council with support from Burgess Hill Town Council, East Grinstead Town Council, Haywards Heath Town Council, Mid Sussex Youth Action and the East Grinstead Youth Council.

Sponsorship has been provided by the Bell Group, Burgess Hill Town Team, the Lions, Fun Bags Party Shop and the East Grinstead Business Association.

For more information contact Susannah Conway, Mid Sussex District Council Young Persons Development Officer on 01444 477518 or email youth@midsussex.gov.uk.