A free celebration of play for all ages will take place at the Key Centre next month, marking National Playday 2026.
Organised by Frome Town Council, the day on Wednesday 5th August includes activities by some of the many organisations and community groups who now use the centre regularly, as well as some special guests. It will run from 2pm to 5pm.
It is also an opportunity to see the new and improved play area at Tower View, designed in partnership with the community.
Young adventurers can help build bike ramps with Super Roots, create sun pictures using cyanotype printing with Caravan Arts and help develop a new Key Centre board game. Free skateboard lessons with Soulful Skate Co will also be available in the car park (limited places, bookable on the day).
Inside the Key Centre, Purple Elephant will host a stay-and-play session for younger children and their families, while local artist Mary Cross will lead willow weaving workshops in the Cabin. Adults and older teens can create a willow dragonfly, while younger visitors can make a snail to take home.
The Key Centre café will host a board game bonanza, with visitors invited to bring along their own favourites. Live music will take place throughout the afternoon in the Community Garden, while Cheryl Sprinkler of Mojo Moves will provide entertainment between the centre and play area. Free children’s picnics, cake for adults and live music will continue after 5pm at Tower View.
Mayor of Frome Mark Dorrington said, “National Playday celebrates play, creativity and community. The Key Centre embodies and encourages all these things and it’s great to see it thriving and busy once again, after several years of being underused. Frome’s Playday event is totally free, there’s loads going on, free picnics for kids (until they run out), cake for grownups, live music and hopefully good weather. Whether you’re a Key Centre regular or it’s your first time, come down to join in the fun.”
Free tea, coffee and cold drinks will be available from the café, with squash for children and water refill points at the Cabin.
National Playday is the UK’s annual celebration of children’s right to play – find out more at https://www.playday.org.uk. Find out more about the Key Centre, including how to hire spaces at frometowncouncil.gov.uk/our-community/the-key-centre.
