Portsmouth families in for a treat at Teddy Bear picnic

This Sunday will see The Roberts Centre hosting its Teddy Bears’ Picnic bonanza.

Marking the Landport-based charity’s 30th anniversary, the day will feature about 40 different family-friendly activities.

Many of them will be free, with nothing costing more than 50p to try.

Carole Damper, chief executive of the charity, which supports hundreds of homeless and needy families in the city, is urging as people to go along and join the fun.

She said: ‘As we are marking our 30th year we wanted to provide a family day for the people of Portsmouth.

‘The centre has always been about families and children. What we wanted to provide was a good, fun and affordable day for all the family to enjoy.’

The picnic is from 10am to 4pm, at Museum Gardens, in Museum Road, Old Portsmouth. Guests are invited to bring their favourite teddies.

Robert Bear – the charity’s mascot – will be joined by Children in Need legend Pudsey Bear and other mascots on the day including Portsmouth FC’s Nelson, The News’ Chipper and the Rowan Hospice’s Rowan the Meerkat.

There will be a plethora of entertainment on offer too.

Portsmouth Grammar School’s Brass Band will be performing, alongside the Pompey Pluckers, the Pan Parade Steel Band from Northern Parade Junior School, Drumnation, Quays of Sea Choir, Top Banana Circus and Clay Station.

There will be fun fair rides, an inflatable obstacle course, land train, face painting and a variety of other stalls.

Carol added she was stunned by the support from local businesses and groups.

She said: ‘There are loads of people who threw their hearts and souls into this.

‘It’s amazing and really quite heartwarming how much people want to make it a special day out for people.

‘It restores your faith in humanity, especially in these troubled times.’

For details about the charity, in Crasswell Street, see robertscentre.org.uk