Children have decreasing opportunities to play or enjoy independent time and space outside. Only 1 in 5 of today’s children play outside every day compared to 71% of adults when they were children, and a massive 90% of parents are worried that the tradition of outdoor play is disappearing in the UK. This lack of opportunity to play freely outdoors is seriously impacting on children’s resilience, confidence, health and wellbeing.

Playday events are organised and run by local people, and in 2010 55% actively involved children and young people. From street parties, festivals in parks and on village greens, mass adventures in woodlands, fields, even beaches, and public events at community venues, Playday is celebrated by each community in the way that suits them. Last year 87% of adults surveyed believed that Playday helped children to play outside more in their local area, and 81% felt that it improved community spirit.