In August 2014, Play Day was bigger than ever with over 3,000 children and families attending. Children of all ages, had great fun making arts and crafts, painting giant cardboard boxes to create a junk city, spending some time reading in the snug corner created by Surrey Libraries, biscuit decorating, trying out sports taster sessions, water games, dance activities and free play. They also got to meet the police, climbed into the fire truck under the supervision of the fire and rescue team and enjoyed loads more activities.

Elmbridge Borough Council no longer has Big Lottery Funding for this event. Most of local organisations offer their time and resources for free; however there is a cost for some of the activities on offer for the families. We want to make Play Day 2015 even more exciting by adding more fun activities and learning opportunities for children while keeping the event free for families as this is an ideal opportunities for them to spend some quality time together.

What we'll deliver:

• Den building and countryside activities
• Introduce new exciting activites to play day
• Circus skills
• Create a messy play area
• Experimental area
• Have a climbing wall for the older children
• Music making and drumming in a noisy area
• Pirate and maidens treasure hunt

Why it's a great idea:

Elmbridge first started celebrating National Play Day in 2010 and used National Lottery Play Funding to cover the cost. When we first set up Elmbridge Play Day we had a small number of activities and only about 500 people attending. Over the last few years the day has grown and grown. Community groups have got involved and local services are promoting their activities including Surrey libraries, childrens centres, local businesses and church groups.

We get a sense of community spirit at the event, large groups of families and friends turn up to play. Most spend the whole day at Play Day which is based at Hurst Park open space by the River Thames. They play, laugh, picnic, get creative but most of all have fun.

This is our sixth year and we want to make it bigger and better than ever and give our local children the opportunity to have fun in a safe environment.

Steps to get it done:

• Book local activity providers such as circus skills and climbing wall
• Involve local organisations and children's play providers
• Source recycled equipment for low cost activities