Play Day Wednesday 2nd August 2023. The theme for this year is ‘Playing on a Shoestring’, making every day an adventure.

Playday is the national day for play. It is the biggest play sector event in the UK, and possibly Europe! As well as a celebration of children’s right to play, Playday is a campaign that highlights the importance of play in children’s lives. At Manchester Libraries we make sure every child has a right to play, as Manchester is a child friendly city.

The activities we’re hosting this year are:

Summer Reading Challenge activities for 4-11 year olds.

  • Burnage Library (2-3) Join Media Cubs for a sporty twist! Stopmotion, commentary practice and podcasting
  • Beswick Library (3.15-4.15) Zoolab – Storytelling and meeting live animals who are having a sports day

Holiday Activity Fund Activities for 10-15 year olds.  Each session includes a free lunch.

  • Withington Library (11-2.30) Love Science – Chemistry experiments and electromagnetic dancers
  • Wythenhawe Forum Library (11-2.30) A bumper summer crafts day with screen printing, Bird feeders and wildflower bomboms
  • Miles Platting Library (11-2.30) Discover Jesmonite! An eco friendly resin and painting canvases of your own artistic choice.
  • Newton Heath Library (11-3) The National Football museum –  crafts and games inspired by their latest exhibition Batteries Not Included, then Show racism the red card – Creativity and Activities 
  • Gorton Library (11-3) Creative City & Special Guests! Geli-Press Printing, more canvas art, plus other fun creative activities! Guest artist: Chloe White

Manchester is a candidate to become a UNICEF child friendly city and will aim to ensure article 31 of the UN convention on the rights of a child, the right to relax, play and take part in a wide range of cultural and artistic activities.