Hull: Join hundreds of hopscotchers at Play Day in Queens Gardens

A an attempt to set a city hopscotch record will take place in Hull next week.

Play Day, a national celebration of play, returns to Hull next week – and this year’s event will see hopscotch grids laid all around the site at the Queens Gardens Rose Bowl.

Every visitor will be encouraged to take their turn at a hop, walk, wheel, or whatever they fancy, with every participant counted and logged as organisers aim get 400 people to take part.

Visitors will also be encouraged to take part in their own streets or gardens and share their games.

The attempt to set a record for the city follows February half-term’s hopscotch takeover, which saw families, local celebs, sports stars, entire schools, every branch of the emergency services and more catching the hopscotch bug.

Grids appeared throughout the city, in the city centre and in every ward, and people filmed, photographed and shared themselves hopscotching.

The record attempt plan is part of the Playing Out project, a community-led scheme where residents can apply to close a street to cars for up to three hours and host a play session.

Hull City Council provides support to organise, including signage, and supplies basic play equipment like chalks and skipping ropes.

Councillor Gwen Lunn, portfolio holder for public health and adult social care, said: “Play Day is the perfect chance for absolutely every visitor to come and have a go at hopscotch and help us smash our target.

“February was absolutely fabulous, people got completely carried away with enjoying this simple childhood game. That’s exactly what Playing Out is all about; having fun outside, enjoying active play on neighbourhood streets with really simple toys and equipment.

“So far this summer we’ve seen the number of sessions and enquiries grow and grow and we want to keep that momentum going. Play Day is an opportunity to talk to us, learn all about Playing Out and decide if it could be right for your community.

“If February is anything to go by, we think we’ll smash our hopscotch goal.”

Play Day takes place on Wednesday 7 August from 11am to 3pm in Queen’s Gardens. Entry is free.