Family fun, fine food and fab weather makes Easter programme the best yet

With golf, bubble football, badge making, basketball, badminton, tennis, handball, athletics, messy play, dance, outdoor play, arts, crafts, games, trips out, sports workshops and much more on offer; there really was something for all ages and abilities in every corner of East Ayrshire!

And, recognising that the best way to fuel active minds and energetic play is healthy food, all participants received a free packed lunch provided by East Ayrshire Council’s Catering Services team, prepared at Onthank Primary School, Auchinleck and Doon Academies.

Easter holiday cooking classes saw 35 families take part, teaching parents how to make healthy affordable meals at home and how easy fresh food can be cooked on a budget.

There were also delicious takeaway meals, prepared by the team at Centrestage, available for local families on a take what you need, pay what you can basis, helping to ease any financial pressures felt by some families during a school holiday.

Councillor Elena Whitham, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities said: “This year’s Vibrant Communities Easter holiday programme was one of the best and busiest we’ve ever run, with fun, games and activities on offer for every child in every local community.

“Behind the scenes, we also served over 4,500 free packed lunches and Centrestage has been amazing in helping to make sure all of our young people and families are kept active, entertained and well fed during the break.”

The full programme of activities can be seen here.

A breakfast and lunch initiative at Whatrigg’s Primary School, hosted by Vibrant Communities and Barnardo’s was also a great success with the Council preparing a total of 526 breakfasts and lunches for families in the first week alone.

Councillor Whitham added: “The Easter programme has been a huge success and the combination of family fun, fab food and fine weather meant everyone had an extra wee bounce in their step and a smile on their face!”