Water sports bookings open for Parklife - district’s biggest free family fun day

Bookings for water sports at South Cambridgeshire’s biggest free family fun day – Parklife - open tomorrow (Thursday 1 June) with anyone planning to go along being urged to beat the crowds by banking their activities now.

Half of the slots to try canoeing, kayaking and paddleboarding are being booked in advance of the event to help manage queues on the day and make sure as many people as possible have the chance to try the activity they are interested in.

To request a slot visit www.scambs.gov.uk/parklife from Thursday 1 June – but event bosses are urging Parklifers to be quick to avoid disappointment. The remaining slots will be available to book on the day.

Parklife takes place on Sunday 25 June at Milton Country Park from 10am to 5pm.

Now in its ninth year, Parklife is organised by South Cambridgeshire District Council in partnership with Cambridge Sport Lakes Trust, the charity which manages the Country Park.

Crowds of over 5,000 people attend annually, enjoying a variety of free activities and entertainment for all ages and abilities. All activities are free of charge and for most, visitors can just turn up to have a go.

New activities this year include Cambridge United’s Soccer School with its inflatable football pitch and the club’s new Olympic School, offering tasters of a range of sports.

Old favourites will include the mighty climbing wall, bouncy castles, archery plus all ability bikes, mountain bikes, smoothie bikes and more in the cycle zone.
An administration fee will be charged for water sports bookings made in advance.

For a small donation, local charity Hoveraid will take visitors on a 'Madagascan Journey' with a woodland trail followed by a whizz around the lake on their hovercraft.

Entertainment will include live music, dancing and circus skills plus lots of other opportunities to join in and have fun, from den building and pond dipping to nature trails.

Food and refreshments will be available to buy from a range of local vendors, including a vintage tea tent in the restful setting of the park’s orchard.

Cllr Sue Ellington, South Cambridgeshire District Council’s cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “Parklife is a fantastic day out for all the family. The aim is to give people a chance to try out lots of activities to see what takes their fancy. We hope they will then take up some of the sports as a way of keeping fit, active and healthy.

“The event is always very busy with lots of do for all. The water sports are one of the most popular activities and the pre-bookings for half the slots was introduced following feedback from people who have enjoyed the event over recent years. If you have your heart set on taking to the lake to try a water sport then please book now to beat the crowds.”

Advance booking are restricted to one taster session per person. An administration fee is charged for pre-booking water sports.

Water sports booking made on the day at Parklife are free of charge. The booking desk is a marquee close to the main visitor entrance at Milton County Park. It will open at 10am. All bookings on the day will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Milton Country Park is located just off the junction of the A10 and A14 and is clearly sign-posted. There is a charge for car parking.

To use the bouncy castle all children must wear socks. To have a go on the climbing wall closed-toe shoes must be worn.