A FREE event to encourage people to try out sports and activities is being held at a Basingstoke park. 

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council (BDBC) is hosting Wellbeing Day at War Memorial Park on Saturday, July 27 to encourage people to get active.

With many major sporting events taking place this summer, including the Olympics and Paralympics, the council hopes to inspire and support residents to discover ways to be more active and make healthier choices.

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It has teamed up with local groups and sports and exercise facilities to highlight some of the ways families can work on their wellbeing in the Basingstoke town centre park.

Free sports and activities including tennis and pickleball, cricket and group exercise sessions will take place between 11am to 3pm.

There will also be opportunities to watch hockey, dance, gymnastic and exercise displays, get hands-on with nature and talk to local groups about the activities they offer and how to get involved.

Several of the events, including tennis sessions from Basingstoke Tennis Centre and an Earth Walk led by the council’s Ranger team, must be booked in advance.

Other activities which include cricket, skateboarding, scooting and BMX; music, nature and craft activities and a mini pitch and putt are available to those turning up on the day.

Anyone taking part in the BMX or skatejam sessions must wear a helmet and have suitable footwear.

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A number of exercise classes will be put on during the day including Calisthenics, Boxfit, Bootcamp and Ab Attack. Spaces will be limited per class and places will be offered on a first-come-first-served basis.

Cabinet member for sports, leisure and culture Cllr Kerry Morrow said: “Encouraging people to get outdoors and enjoy their local surroundings and supporting them to invest in their wellbeing is a real priority for us. We all lead very busy lives but it is so important to make time to invest in your mental and physical health and do the same for your family.

“This free event is an opportunity to invite people to our Green Flag park, which offers many free facilities and plenty of beautiful green space, and showcase what is happening in the park already, while also introducing people to other sports and activities taking place across the borough.

“I encourage people to head along, bring a picnic, join in the activities and talk to the many people available who can help you make positive changes to your health and wellbeing.”

Refreshments will be available to buy at the event and, for those travelling by car, parking is available at Eastlands Car Park in London Road, usual charges apply.

For more information including a timetable showing what’s happening when, details of how to book activities and important safety information for the day visit basingstoke.gov.uk/sport-wellbeing-day.