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Many events and activities taking place across our area are free to attend, so make the most of what’s happening on your doorstep.
- Free swimming and soft play vouchers are available to Nailsea residents who aren’t currently members of their local leisure centre – but time is running out. Limited vouchers are still available from Nailsea Town Council but they must be used by Friday 30 August. Soft play sessions for children under 5 are available at Scotch Horn Leisure Centre and no pre-booking is required. Swimming sessions for under 15s are available at Backwell Leisure Centre. There are some restrictions, so check with the centre before travelling. Vouchers can be collected from Sixty Five High Street in Nailsea between 9.30am and 4pm Monday to Thursday, and 9.30am to 1pm on Friday. To find out more, call 07951 367 703 or email enquiries@nailseatowncouncil.gov.uk
- Live entertainment, inflatables, stalls, rides and more are coming to Weston-super-Mare on Saturday (24 August). Summer Vibe, with children’s entertainer Action Pussycat, is a free event starting at 11am in the Italian Gardens, hosted by the Sovereign and Weston-super-Mare Town Council.
- Immerse yourself in the rich history of Punch and Judy during a free show at Weston Museum, in Burlington Street, next Friday (30 August). Various show times. Tickets are free but must be booked in advance on the Ticketsource website.
- Enjoy exciting activities, live performances, face art, food and more during a community fundraising event. Big Worle Summer Bash, is on from noon to 6pm on Saturday 31 August to help raise funds for the Big Worle Hub, based in Clovelly Road, Worle, Weston-super-Mare. Free entry.
- Dance routines, martial arts displays and free activities will be on offer during a celebration event to mark the 20th anniversary of The Campus in Weston-super-Mare. Local community groups who regularly use the space will showcase what the centre has to offer from 11am to 3pm on Saturday 7 September.
- An eclectic mix of acts and high-octane performances returns to Weston-super-Mare next month. Whirligig, a free festival of outdoor arts, returns to the Italian Gardens on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 September. See juggling with a difference, dynamic dance, acrobatics, circus skills, comedy and more. There will also be have-a-go family sessions, craft activities and the North Somerset Samba procession along the High Street from 11.30am on Saturday. Whirligig Festival takes place each day from midday to 6pm. Find the full programme online.
- Find out what’s going on at your local children’s centre, where a fantastic range of activities for families are on offer throughout the year.
Stay safe when roads are busy
If you’re travelling by car this bank holiday it’s important to stay safe on the roads.
National Highways has launched its summer campaign with advice about travelling on roads during this busy period.
Tops tips for this weekend include:
- carry out some simple vehicle checks before you travel
- plan for changing weather conditions
- take a break for at least 15 minutes every two hours.
Find out more on the National Highways website.
Need more support?
If food and money-saving remain a concern during the school holidays, there are places to turn for support.
Money Saving Central has updated its list of places where children can eat for free or just £1, or visit the food support pages on our website.
Children across North Somerset continue to take part in activities and receive food during the school holidays through our Holidays, Activities and Food (HAF) programme.
Find out more about the scheme, available for children who are receiving benefits-related free school meals, on our website.
More information about cost of living help and support is also on our website. There you can find help with bills, childcare costs, housing support, and energy and heating advice.
Online uniform swap shop
The cost of kitting out your child or children ready for the new school year can be a real worry but there is help available.
The Uniform Exchange (Somerset & North Somerset) is a private Facebook group where you can request or offer uniforms for free to other parents and carers.
You can also check other local buy, sell, swap websites or Facebook pages for second-hand school uniforms.
Most schools will have a uniform exchange so if you’re worrying about uniform costs, chat to your school and the PTA to see what help they can offer you.
And our welfare provision scheme can help towards the cost of uniforms, if you’re eligible. Find out more on our website.
If you’ve got uniforms that your children have grown out of but are still in good condition, please consider donating or exchanging them to help other families.