Charity partner announced for Basildon Big Play UK event in March

A fun-filled indoor festival for preschoolers taking place in Basildon this March has announced its local charity partner. 

The Big Play UK event, organised by Little City UK, will take place on Sunday 08 March (9.30-4 pm) at Basildon Sporting Village on Cranes Farm Road in Basildon. 

This is the first event of its kind in Basildon, building on the success of last year's Big Play UK events in Ipswich and Bedford. The event brings together a range of family-friendly activity providers in one place, offering interactive workshops, creative classes, thrilling play zones and entertainment. Designed specifically for preschoolers and young children, it promises to be a perfect family day out.

This year, Little City UK has confirmed that Big Play UK will be raising money for Homestart Essex. 

Vicki Fletcher, founder of Little City UK, says,

“The Big Play UK is all about creating moments that matter for young children and their families. It proved highly successful in Bedford and Ipswich, and we’re thrilled to be launching it in Basildon for the first time. Partnering with Homestart Essex makes this event even more special, as it allows families to enjoy a brilliant day out while supporting an incredible local charity that supports children across our region.

Melissa Reynolds, Events and Partnership Manager at Home-Start Essex said:

“We are absolutely delighted that Home-Start Essex has been chosen as the charity partner for this year’s Big Play UK event in Basildon. It’s a real honour to be the charity beneficiary, especially as the event is aimed at the same age range as the local families we support. At Home-Start Essex, we work with families who have children under the age of 5 years old and are facing a range of challenges, including poverty, domestic abuse, disability, mental or physical health difficulties, social isolation, bereavement, and temporary accommodation. We work alongside parents in their own homes and within the community to build confidence, strengthen relationships, and create positive home environments, helping to ensure children have the best possible start in life.”

The Big Play UK is a unique concept created by Little City UK.

The event will bring together local children’s activity providers and educational workshops, including mum and baby fitness, phonics, music and movement and mini sports. Children will have the opportunity to have their faces painted, take part in messy play, meet their favourite characters, meet a range of animals, and explore their imaginations through Little City’s mobile role-play areas. 

With morning and afternoon entry sessions available, Big Play UK promises a fun-filled day featuring some of the best children’s entertainment in Basildon and the surrounding areas.

Lucy Huartson, owner of Little City Chelmsford and part of the organising team, adds,

“As the local branch, it means a great deal to us to bring Big Play UK to our community. We’re lucky to have so many brilliant children’s activity providers right on our doorstep, and this event is a chance to celebrate them all under one roof. It creates a real festival atmosphere for families with young children. We’d love to see as many local people as possible come along; the more families who join us, the more we can raise for Homestart Essex. It’s a fantastic way for Basildon to come together, support local businesses and make a difference."

The Big Play UK event is ticket-only, with prices starting at £5 for adults, £7.99 for babies aged 9-11 months (babies under 9 months are free), and £24.99 for children aged 1-6. A family ticket (two adults and two children) costs £55. 

To purchase tickets or for more information, visit www.thebigplay.co.uk