THOUSANDS of families flocked to a Basingstoke park yesterday to take part in a range of activities as part of a national event.

Around 5,000 children, parents and grandparents attended the National Play Day event at Eastrop Park, organised by Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, in partnership with RCS Play Services which is based at the Oakridge Hall for All.

A host of activities were available on the day including circus skills, pond dipping, messy play, paper boat making and face painting.

Youngsters on the day were also entertained by drumming workshops, fencing sessions and a performance from the Basingstoke Wolverines cheerleading group.

For the first time at the free event, a “Streetz Zone” was introduced to cater for children over the age of 11 which included a host of activities including a rodeo bull, sumo suits, graffiti sessions and giant inflatables.

The borough council’s youth officer, Mike Nicholls, said: “It was a great day with lots of people coming along to Eastrop Park to join in. This year we expanded the amount of activities on offer for all ages and it was very well received.

“We hope that we’ve given lots of ideas for interesting and active things that parents and carers can do with the children to stave off the summer holiday boredom, as well as enjoying our Green Flag parks.”

Kirsty Whitlock, play co-ordinator at RCS, added: “It was fantastic despite the weather. It didn’t dampen the spirits of everyone and the public and exhibitors had a great day.

“We had a brilliant reaction. We had a new zone which was the Streetz Zone which was aimed at older children. Obviously it is a free event so it is a great way to get out.”