Community enjoys a day of free family fun at church event

Family Church Gosport hosted the summer bonanza at Nicholson Gardens, Carlton Road, which saw families and people of all ages enjoy a day of entertainment and activities.

There was lots of adventure as kids tackled the giant inflatable assault course and slide, bouncy castles, and jousting arena.

Other activities included face painting, hair braiding, crafts and penalty shoot-out, prizes, music and refreshments.

There was some also friendly competition in the various traditional stalls, such as the coconut shy and a pie-eating contest.

Geoff Wood, Pastor of Family Church Gosport, said: ‘The Gosport Family Fun Day is our gift to the community and we have run this event for nine years.

‘Last year we saw more than 2,000 families come and spend the day with us. The weather hasn’t been so good this year but it’s still been a great turnout.

‘We’ve got plans to expand the event next year and move to a different location so it will be bigger and better.’

One family who weren’t deterred by the windy weather was Jennifer Land and her two children Kayleb, seven, and Lily, five, who have attended for several years.

Jennifer, from Gosport, said: ‘The kids love coming here and it’s good to get them out of the house and not have to spend any money.

‘As soon as I told them we were coming here, they got really excited. They’ve had so much fun and are crazy about the inflatables too.’

Annabelle Tweed, 11, and her sister Melanie, nine, were having fun at the family event.

Annabelle said her favourite thing was getting her hair braided, while Melanie enjoyed winning a teddy on the tombola.

Their grandmother Alison Oyem, from Gosport, said: ‘It’s great to see everyone get together and have some fun.’

Volunteer David Ashby, from Family Church Gosport, said: ‘It’s great to be a part of today and there’s a real feel-good factor about holding the fun day.

‘We love connecting with the community and to be able to do something nice for the locals.’