Fun event in Yate as revamped play area opens

The celebrations kicked off at 9:30am with the official opening of the new and refurbished play area

Crowds gathered for the ribbon-cutting and announcement of the name chosen for the new GIANT duck, located at the heart of the new area, with Harriet and Hattie both submitting the winning duck name - ‘Sir Quackalot’.

Councillor John Ford, chair of Yate Town Council’s play areas and properties project steering group, said: “It is wonderful to see so many people visit the annual Easter Egg Hunt, but this year was an extra special opportunity, to officially welcome everyone to the new play areas!

"Increasing accessibility and minimising our impact on the environment was important to our residents, we have worked hard to provide a range of new and refurbished equipment that offers visitors of all ages endless ways to use their imagination and adventure skills.

"With more to come in spring and summer, we hope you enjoy making memories here with your friends and family.” 

At 10am, Yate Town Council and the Friends of Kingsgate Park held their annual Easter Egg event with over 700 Easter eggs gifted to the children who completed one of the two hunts around the park.

11am saw 55 children line up to enter the Easter bonnet competition and as always, the standard was incredibly high!

The Mayor of Yate, Councillor Cheryl Kirby, found it very difficult to decide on her top 3 favourite Easter Bonnets. 

This year the first prize went to Honey-Rose, second to Lyra and third to Isla. 

Ms Kirby said: “All the entries were fantastic.

"There was everything from dinosaurs, stacked egg boxes, easter chicks, lambs and even a house which really grabbed my attention!

"I'm so glad the weather was good for us this year; the sun shining really does make all the difference, and I got to witness lots of laughter, smiles and jumping in very muddy puddles.

"It was my privilege to officially open the Kingsgate play area following its refurbishment. 

"It’s great that we can create and provide these wonderful imaginative places for our community to enjoy.”

Yate Town Council and the Friends of Kingsgate Park will now work towards the 2-day Community Music Festival, Yate Rocks!, taking place in Kingsgate Park on June 22 and 23.