12/05/2026
Drumglass Park to Host Free Family Fun Day for South Belfast Sure Start
A free family fun day is scheduled to take place at Drumglass Park on Saturday 23 May, held in support of South Belfast Sure Start. The event, which runs from 12pm to 4pm, is part of a series of initiatives supporting the chosen charities of the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tracy Kelly.
The afternoon will feature a wide array of activities designed for all ages, including face painting, bouncy castles, and bubble workshops. There will also be a strong focus on developmental play, with a mud kitchen, sensory play, and "messy play" sessions, alongside an appearance by various sea creatures.
South Belfast Sure Start is one of four organisations selected by Councillor Kelly during her term in office. The charity operates nine projects across the city, providing vital early intervention and advice to families in disadvantaged areas on topics ranging from healthy eating to play-based learning. Launching the event alongside local families, Councillor Kelly said: "Sure Start provides invaluable help to children and families in our local communities, giving young people the best possible start in life. As someone who used Sure Start services myself when I became a mum for the first time, I've seen first-hand the positive impact their work has on parents and children, helping them to thrive."
She added: "I'm delighted to work with them to put on this fun day event and to raise awareness of the important services they provide. There will be something for everyone to enjoy on the day, and I'd encourage families to come along, get involved and show their support for this fantastic local charity."
Joy Poots, Project Co-ordinator for South Belfast Sure Start, highlighted the significance of the partnership with the council, noting that the event serves as a celebration of their year as a Mayoral charity. She stated: "While this event will be open to families and children of all ages, it is so lovely to see so many activities that can be enjoyed by Sure Start-aged children. It has been great to work with the council on this event and, in this time of pressure on families, people can come along and have fun together for the afternoon."
For further details regarding Sure Start services across Belfast, members of the public can visit nidirect.gov.uk and search for the programme.
The afternoon will feature a wide array of activities designed for all ages, including face painting, bouncy castles, and bubble workshops. There will also be a strong focus on developmental play, with a mud kitchen, sensory play, and "messy play" sessions, alongside an appearance by various sea creatures.
South Belfast Sure Start is one of four organisations selected by Councillor Kelly during her term in office. The charity operates nine projects across the city, providing vital early intervention and advice to families in disadvantaged areas on topics ranging from healthy eating to play-based learning. Launching the event alongside local families, Councillor Kelly said: "Sure Start provides invaluable help to children and families in our local communities, giving young people the best possible start in life. As someone who used Sure Start services myself when I became a mum for the first time, I've seen first-hand the positive impact their work has on parents and children, helping them to thrive."
She added: "I'm delighted to work with them to put on this fun day event and to raise awareness of the important services they provide. There will be something for everyone to enjoy on the day, and I'd encourage families to come along, get involved and show their support for this fantastic local charity."
Joy Poots, Project Co-ordinator for South Belfast Sure Start, highlighted the significance of the partnership with the council, noting that the event serves as a celebration of their year as a Mayoral charity. She stated: "While this event will be open to families and children of all ages, it is so lovely to see so many activities that can be enjoyed by Sure Start-aged children. It has been great to work with the council on this event and, in this time of pressure on families, people can come along and have fun together for the afternoon."
For further details regarding Sure Start services across Belfast, members of the public can visit nidirect.gov.uk and search for the programme.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:Cloud and rain in the southeast soon clearing, with sunny spells in the west developing more widely. A few showers are likely, these becoming more frequent, heavier and blustery from mid-afternoon. Maximum temperature 13 °C.Tonight:Scattered to frequent blustery showers feed in from the northwest through the evening and overnight, these showers heavy at times. Minimum temperature 5 °C.

