Families enjoy games day at Cosham church

St Peter’s and St Paul’s Church, in Cosham, held the event yesterday for children to enjoy a day of retro gaming, crafts and cosplay.

Following the success of the previous event in April, organiser Jamie Barnes said that, with the help of businesses in the area, he wanted to expand and open up more opportunities.

The 42-year-old said: ‘We did St Games Day a few weeks ago but with this one, we’ve introduced the cosplay side of things, the Geek Fest, and we’ve also introduced the craft side.

‘We’ve kept the retro gaming because we felt with the retro side of things, there is more engagement and it’s got a community feel about it.

‘The reason we want to do it again is because people were able to come and express themselves rather than playing games at home and being isolated. That is our main reason behind the events.’

Eight-year-old Alfie Appleton went along with his friend Ronnie Marks.

Alfie said this was his first time at the event and really enjoyed playing the games. Ronnie, who is also eight, said he would like to come back again in the future.

His mother Stacy Jones, 31, said: ‘We came to the last one and he really enjoyed it so we thought we’d come again.

‘We had some leaflets posted through our door and he came home from school with some in his book bag too so we decided to come along because it keeps them happy.’

The last St Games Day raised more than £500 which is put back to the Church’s youth fund and IT centre.

The money raised from yesterday will also be used to fund these projects.

Amber Everitt, 21, ran the cosplay table by helping children dress up in a variety of wigs and costumes.

She said: ‘It’s important for kids to get involved because it shows that you can detach yourself from everything else and you can do what you want and it explores freedom.’

Chiana Weeks, 11, said she would like there to be more of these days because she likes watching people enjoy themselves.

More game days are being organised for the summer with the aim of keeping the community entertained.