Parents and caregivers across the West Midlands are preparing for the upcoming school break as a borough-wide initiative brings dozens of no-cost activities to local doorsteps. The Festival of Free Play, coordinated by Sandwell Council, is scheduled to run from May 25 to May 31, 2026, targeting children of all ages with a diverse programme of outdoor and indoor sessions.
This initiative arrives at a time when many households are seeking low-cost ways to keep children engaged during the holidays. The festival is a collaborative effort between the GoPlay team and local library services, focusing on the fundamental right of children to play and feel welcome within their own neighbourhoods.
The practical picture
- Total Events: More than 25 individual sessions scheduled over seven days.
- Cost: Every activity listed under the festival banner is completely free of charge.
- Locations: Events are distributed across Oldbury, Smethwick, Tipton, West Bromwich, Wednesbury, and Rowley Regis.
- Target Audience: Activities range from sessions for under-fives to workshops for older children and teenagers.
Outdoor play and creative workshops across the borough
The GoPlay sessions form the backbone of the outdoor offering, utilizing Sandwell’s parks to host active play opportunities. These sessions are designed to encourage physical movement and social interaction in a safe, supervised environment.
For those interested in creative outlets, the festival includes specialized workshops such as T-shirt printing and circus skills. These hands-on sessions allow children to develop new talents without the barrier of equipment costs. The schedule also features a unique K-Pop Demon Hunters concert, catering to the growing interest in contemporary music and performance art among local youth.
Storytelling and yoga sessions for younger children
Libraries across the six towns will pivot their focus toward family-friendly programming during the half-term week. Specifically designed for children under five, the schedule includes dedicated storytelling hours and introductory yoga sessions. These activities aim to support early years development and provide a calm space for families amidst the busier holiday period.
Nature-based activities are also integrated into the library and community centre programmes. These sessions focus on environmental awareness and local biodiversity, helping children connect with the natural spaces found within an urban environment.
Activity locations and access details
To ensure geographical coverage, the festival has been mapped to include major community hubs in every corner of the borough. Families can find specific event times and venues by visiting the dedicated Sandwell Council festival portal or the Visit Sandwell website.
| Location Type | Primary Activities |
|---|---|
| Local Parks | GoPlay sessions, nature activities, family fun days |
| Borough Libraries | Storytelling, yoga for under-fives, creative workshops |
| Community Spaces | Theatre performances, circus skills, K-Pop concerts |
In addition to the festival-specific events, local parks remain open for general use, and libraries will continue to offer their standard range of digital and physical resources. The Festival of Free Play effectively doubles the available public-service utility for families during this specific week in May.
Source: Sandwell Council
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