By KLTV Newsdesk –

Rain showers couldn’t dampen spirits on Wednesday 19th August, as more than 300 adults and children turned out for the Move More Fun Day at Fartown Pavilion, a free community event packed with sport, cycling, crafts and nature activities.

A Free Day of Fun for All Ages

Organised by Move More Fartown alongside S2R Create Space, Local Services 2 You, Radio Sangam and Kirklees Council, the event saw families making the most of the green space at the Pavilion on Spaines Road, with something for everyone regardless of age or ability.

Football took over one end of the field, with children and coaches enjoying informal matches and goalkeeping practice, while archery proved a huge draw, with youngsters queuing up to aim at the target under the watchful eye of volunteers and parents.

Getting on Two Wheels

Cycling was very much at the heart of the day. Everybody’s Cycling brought along their stationary bike rig, complete with a spinning track display, giving children and adults alike the chance to pedal for fun.

Nearby, younger children took their first wobbly rides on balance bikes, supported by patient volunteers.

A particular highlight was the generous support of Streetbikes, the Kirklees-based bike recycling charity, which donated seven bikes that were given out to local families on the day.

Their van was a familiar sight throughout the afternoon, and their contribution meant more children left the event with a bike of their own, and a way to keep moving long after the day was over.

The Walk Wheel Ride team were also on hand with information stalls, encouraging local people to think about active travel options for getting around Kirklees.

Nature, Crafts and Community Groups

Away from the sporting action, a guided foraging walk took groups out to explore the hedgerows and green spaces surrounding the pavilion, with an enthusiastic crowd gathering to learn what was growing locally.

Elsewhere, families got creative at the eco-crafts table, while local community groups, including representatives from Kirklees, set up stalls sharing information on food pantries, local support services and wellbeing initiatives.

Younger children also had the chance to try scooting, cycling and general messing about on two wheels, with several bike-focused stalls dotted across the field throughout the day.

Listening to the Community

Beyond the activities, organisers used the day as a valuable opportunity to gather feedback from residents about the future of the Pavilion and the surrounding area.

A number of common themes emerged, with local people keen to see:

• Practical improvements such as better signage, an upgraded cricket wicket, reduced litter, and action on dog fouling, drug paraphernalia and fly-tipping
• More opportunities for families to socialise and spend time together outdoors
• Community planting projects, including flowers for the green space
• More organised games and activities for children and young people
• The introduction of local walking groups
• A dedicated volunteer group to champion and look after Fartown Pavilion going forward

Organisers were encouraged by the strength and positivity of this feedback, which will help shape plans for the area in the months ahead.

A Fantastic Turnout Despite the Weather

Even with a rain shower part-way through the afternoon, the atmosphere remained warm and welcoming, with families sheltering under gazebos before heading back out to enjoy the remaining activities.

The turnout of over 300 adults and children was a clear sign of just how much this green space means to the local community.

Check out more photos from the day below.