It was one of the biggest days out that Keyham has seen in recent years.
On Monday, 11 April the community came together at Keyham Green Places for a day of family fun featuring craft and sport events, children’s activities, an Easter egg hunt, outdoor yoga, demonstrations from local groups, face-painting, circus skills, appearances from the Keyham Community Policing Team, Weston Mill Fire Brigade and the Lord Mayor of Plymouth and much more.
Called A Big Day Out in Keyham it was organised by Plymouth City Council’s children, young people and family services team and funded by money from the Department for Education.
The free event also saw a raffle ticket given to every family and free food and drinks available throughout the day.
“More than 600 people attended and residents were saying this was the kind of figure events in Keyham used to attract back in the 1980s and ‘90s,” said the council’s Brian Gill who, with his team based in schools around Keyham, came up with the idea. “It was heart-warming to see so many people coming together and really enjoying themselves and I would like to thank Keyham Green Places and all of our partners who helped make this such a special day.
“Events like this help residents feel safe as well as a feeling of togetherness. The fact that so many people came through the door shows this is the kind of thing that people in the area have been missing.”
Those who attended were encouraged to bring donations to the Keyham Green Places Foodbank to help feed disadvantaged children and families across the area.
Some of the comments from residents on the day included, “Thank you for a brilliant day, myself and the children loved it! Well organised, the food was fab, the egg hunts and it felt totally safe for the kiddies! I hope this runs yearly.” “It was amazing being part of a great event, thank you,” and “What a fantastic day you put on for everyone. Myself and family really enjoyed ourselves.”