Thompson Park Family Fun Day

Organisers are hoping it will be sunshine all the way when Southwick's Thompson Park holds a free family fun day next month to celebrate its £740,000 transformation.

The fun packed event complete with live music, giant inflatables and free fun activities for all the family was due to go ahead last summer but had to be cancelled twice due to the weather.

The Thompson Park Family Fun Day from 11am - 3pm on Saturday 15 June, promises something for everyone with attractions including:

• Live music on the main stage showcasing local acts
• A family inflatable area with an assault course, kids' corner and inflatable slides
• Mini Golf
• 3SIXTY bicycle stunt display team
• Coached tennis drop in sessions in the newly refurbished tennis courts
• Basketball coaching in the basketball courts
• Walking Football and Family Bootcamps
• Family Highland Games
• Healthy Lifestyles team delivering family 'have a go' sports activities
• Sunderland Young People's Bike Project delivering cycling activities on the cycle track
• Together For Children Bus
• Facepainting

It's also a chance to see the improvements completed last year, including a new adventure play area and a toddler play area with inclusive play equipment, as well as a running track and trim trail obstacle course with outdoor gym equipment.

Last year's transformation also saw Thompson Park become home to an interactive football wall offering a range of fun games and challenges, aimed at beginners and experienced football players alike. Since it was installed this has become of the most popular interactive football walls in the country. 

The park's regeneration was made possible thanks to a £740,000 investment from Sunderland City Council, which included £320,000 from the council's North Area Committee and a £55,000 contribution from Sunderland Health and Wellbeing Board.

Councillor Denny Wilson, Chair of Sunderland City Council's North Area Committee, which is also funding the family fun day, said: "We wanted to celebrate the park's transformation with a fantastic free day out for all the family and we're keeping everything crossed that the weather is kind to us this time.

"It's also a great opportunity for any families who haven't visited the park for a while to see the improvements for themselves. The transformation has made such a difference and the football wall especially has been massively popular so we're hoping lots of families will come along to enjoy the fun day."