Families across Belfast are being invited to a free fun-filled community day later this month, with bouncy castles, sensory activities, face painting and bubble workshops all planned for children and parents at Drumglass Park.
The special family event will take place on Saturday, 23 May, from 12pm until 4pm, and is being organised in support of South Belfast Sure Start, one of the four charities chosen this year by the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tracy Kelly.
The free event is expected to attract families from across the city as organisers prepare an afternoon packed with activities for children of all ages. Planned attractions include sensory play, messy play, a mud kitchen, sea creature experiences, bubble workshops, face painting and inflatable bouncy castles.
According to Belfast City Council, the event has been designed to both support local families and raise awareness about the work carried out by South Belfast Sure Start in communities across the city.
Lord Mayor shares personal connection to Sure Start
Launching the event alongside local families and children, Councillor Tracy Kelly highlighted the importance of Sure Start services and explained that she had personally used the organisation’s support when she became a mother for the first time.
She said Sure Start provides “invaluable help” to children and families in Belfast communities and helps give young people the best possible start in life.
The Lord Mayor also spoke about seeing the positive impact of the service first-hand, saying the organisation helps both parents and children thrive through support, guidance and early-years programmes.
Her personal connection to Sure Start adds extra meaning to this year’s partnership. Rather than simply lending her support as Lord Mayor, Councillor Kelly’s comments reflect the real experiences many Belfast parents have had while accessing community-based family support services.
She said she was delighted to work with South Belfast Sure Start on the fun day event and encouraged families to come along, take part in activities and support the charity’s work within local communities.
Community-focused events continue to attract strong interest across Belfast as families look for affordable ways to spend weekends and school holidays together. Similar public events and celebrations have also brought large crowds to city spaces in recent months, highlighting growing demand for free family entertainment and outdoor activities.
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Activities planned for children of all ages
One of the biggest attractions of the Drumglass Park event is the wide variety of activities suitable for different age groups. While younger children are expected to enjoy the sensory and messy play experiences, older children will also have entertainment through bubble activities, creative workshops and outdoor play areas.
The inclusion of a mud kitchen and sea creature-themed activities reflects the growing popularity of hands-on educational play for young children. These activities are commonly used in early-years development because they encourage creativity, movement and social interaction in a relaxed environment.
Sensory play areas are also expected to provide a calmer experience for younger children who enjoy tactile and interactive activities. Combined with face painting and inflatables, organisers appear to have created an event that balances active fun with creative learning experiences.
The event being completely free may also prove important for families facing financial pressure. Rising living costs have made free public events increasingly valuable for parents looking to entertain children without expensive tickets or travel costs.
Families planning a full weekend in Belfast may also be interested in other upcoming community attractions and city events, including major public sporting and entertainment events drawing large crowds across the UK.
How South Belfast Sure Start supports families
South Belfast Sure Start is part of a wider network of projects operating across Belfast to support families with young children living in disadvantaged areas.
The organisation currently runs nine projects across the city, offering early intervention services and practical support for parents and carers. Its programmes help families with issues linked to healthy eating, child development, parenting advice and good quality play opportunities.
Sure Start services are designed to support children during the earliest stages of life, helping parents access guidance and community support during important developmental years.
Joy Poots, Project Co-ordinator for South Belfast Sure Start, described the past year as “amazing” after being selected as one of the Lord Mayor’s official charities.
She said the family fun day would be “the icing on the cake” and welcomed the large number of activities specifically suitable for Sure Start-aged children.
Joy Poots also said it had been great working with Belfast City Council on the event and acknowledged the pressures currently facing many families. She added that the event gives people a chance to come together and enjoy a fun afternoon as a community.
That sense of community support may become one of the event’s biggest strengths. While the attractions themselves are expected to bring in families, the day also creates an opportunity for parents to connect with local organisations and discover more about services available to support young children across Belfast.
Families planning to attend the free event should prepare for outdoor activities and messy play experiences, particularly for younger children. Comfortable clothing and suitable footwear may be helpful depending on weather conditions on the day.
With free entry, family-focused entertainment and support for an important local charity, the Drumglass Park fun day is shaping up to be one of Belfast’s most community-driven family events of the May Bank Holiday period.
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