Hundreds enjoy free summer activity session in Bangor

Around 250 children and young people enjoyed a day of free sport, play and entertainment in Bangor.

The event at Neuadd y Dref playground, next to Storiel in the city centre, brought together families from across the area for a programme of activities designed to keep young people active, engaged and connected during the school summer holidays.

The Summer Sport and Actif Programme is supported by a £50,000 investment from the North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner and Actif North Wales’s Innovation Fund, with funding backed by Sport Wales’ National Lottery investment. The programme is providing community festivals and up to six weeks of free activities across North Wales, helping children and young people build confidence, make new friends and enjoy positive experiences close to home.

Delivered through Actif locality teams across North Wales, the programme brings together youth services, sports clubs, schools, housing associations and community organisations to offer activities tailored to local needs. Sessions include multi-sport activities, active play, fitness sessions, team games and inclusive opportunities suitable for a wide range of ages and abilities.

Activities at the Bangor event included an inflatable cycling route, an inflatable darts board, skateboarding sessions and music from a local DJ.

Organisers said that many of the young people attending had never tried skateboarding before and took the opportunity to give it a go for the first time and several children signed up for further skateboarding sessions taking place on 19 and 22 August following the event.

Among those attending was Sally Williams from Pwllheli, who travelled with her family after seeing the event advertised on social media.

She said: “The children love skateboarding and we have come up from Pwllheli as there is no skatepark there, although organisations like RISE Pwllheli are doing great stuff and have plans for more activities in the town.

“Coming to this session in Bangor gives the children the opportunity to get involved. Living in a rural area you often have to travel quite a way for things like this, but we’re all really enjoying it.”

North Wales Police and Crime Commissioner Andy Dunbobbin said: “Every child and young person deserves the opportunity to enjoy their summer holidays in a safe, positive and supportive environment, regardless of their background or where they live. That’s why I am delighted to support the Summer Sport and Actif Programme, which is providing free activities in communities across North Wales.

“These sessions help young people stay active, develop confidence, make new friends and learn new skills while giving families access to opportunities that might otherwise be unavailable to them. It was fantastic to see so many children and young people enjoying themselves in Bangor and taking part in a wide range of activities.”

Manon Rees-O’Brien, Regional Director of Actif North Wales, added: “Seeing so many children, young people and families enjoying activities together in Bangor is exactly what this programme is all about. It’s about creating positive experiences close to home, helping young people build confidence, connect with others, and discover activities they can continue to enjoy long after the summer holidays have ended.

“By combining investment with local knowledge and strong partnerships, we’re supporting communities to shape opportunities that meet local needs. Together, we’re reaching areas that can face the greatest barriers to participation and ensuring more children and young people across North Wales have the opportunity to be active, feel a sense of belonging, and thrive.”