PORTISHEAD residents will soon be able to enjoy free, weekly community events as North Somerset Council gets ready to launch a new ParkPlay session in the town.

ParkPlay will take place from 10am to 11.30am every Saturday at Merlin Park in Portishead, starting on Saturday, September 7, thanks to the council’s Better Health North Somerset team.

After launching in the UK in 2021, ParkPlay happens in parks and public spaces up and down the country every Saturday.

Sessions are free and open to people of all ages.

The aim is to bring communities together and encourage more people to be active by enjoying free games and activities in a safe, friendly place.

Cllr Jenna Ho Marris, North Somerset Council executive member for public health, said: “ParkPlay is all about local people of all ages coming together to meet, move and have fun.

“There’s no end goal apart from enjoyment. So, if you’re local to Merlin Park please come along and give it a go.

“It’s totally free to take part and a great way to keep families entertained.

“All you need to do is register on the ParkPlay website beforehand so you can quickly sign in when you arrive each Saturday morning and get playing straight away.”

Cllr Nicola Holland and Cllr Sue Mason, who represent Portishead West ward where Merlin Park is located, added: “ParkPlay is run by the local community, for the local community.

“We’re really looking forward to seeing everyone join together, get active and have fun.”

People can register and find out more about ParkPlay at https://park-play.com/register. There is also a ParkPlay Portishead Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/PortisheadParkPlay.

ParkPlay already runs every Saturday from 9.30am to 11am at Castle Batch in Weston.

The Better Health North Somerset team is also looking for potential Play Leaders to run ParkPlay in Clevedon, at Cherry Avenue playground.

To find out more about the Play Leader role email getactive@n-somerset.gov.uk or call 01275 882 731.