ANDOVER town centre will be bursting with family-friendly events this summer, including the return of the council's popular Four Fun Fridays project.

Commencing on Saturday, July 23 from 11am to 3pm, Andover’s summer events programme will launch with Step Into Summer, taking place in the Town Mills Riverside Park.

Families are invited to visit the park, bring along a picnic and enjoy some free activities and games throughout the day.

Children can get their creative hats on and take part in free summer–themed craft activities between 11am to 3pm, using different materials to make a special creation which they can then take home. Families can also have a go at perfecting their coordination, by taking part in a hands-on circus-themed workshop.

Face painting will be available and a local magician will be on site dazzling visitors with his close-up magic tricks.

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The council has also collaborated with the Ugly Duckling project, run by Andover Mind, and has commissioned the charity’s skilled volunteers to create a set of garden games made from recycled wood. The games will be available for all ages to enjoy throughout the next few months.

Following the launch event, the council will be extending the summer fun by running daily picnics in the park from 12pm to 2pm. Families will have the opportunity to bring along a picnic every Monday to Thursday from July 25 until August 25, and make use of picnic blankets and enjoy playing the garden games. Every week the council will also be providing an additional activity for free, including family yoga, craft workshops and storytelling. 

The weekly picnics will set the stage for Four Fun Fridays, Andover’s annual event, which this year features a jam-packed programme of street theatre, art, crafts and some extra special activities.

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Leader of Test Valley Borough Council, Cllr Phil North, said: “We are really making the most of the summer this year. We have the fantastic Town Mills Riverside Park, which is a wonderful outdoor space, and the ideal spot to offer games and activities.

“Four Fun Fridays is always such as popular event and we wanted to expand on its success this year by running even more activities in the town centre over the summer holidays. We hope Andover residents will make the most of all of these events and enjoy everything we’re putting on in the town centre this year. And with people feeling the pinch due to the rising cost of living, I’m really pleased that we are able to offer all of this completely free of charge, so families can entertain their little ones in the summer holidays without having to spend a fortune.”

Further details can be found at: testvalley.gov.uk/events.  

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