Free family festivities taking place this Saturday
Two free, family-friendly events offering food, crafts and games will take place at the John Pounds Centre this Saturday, supporting low-income families during the festive season.
The events will run on Saturday 20 December and are delivered by the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF Fun Pompey) programme, which provides free activities and meals for Portsmouth children who receive benefits-related free school meals during the Easter, summer and Christmas holidays.
Families eligible for HAF can enjoy a full day of free activities, hot food and creative workshops, designed to bring people together, promote healthy living and help families enjoy Christmas.
Both events will be held at the John Pounds Centre, Queen Street.
The first session, Creative Bites! Food, Family Fun & Activities, will run from 12pm to 4pm. Families will rotate through team games, hands-on cookery sessions, where meals can be prepared to take home, and arts and craft workshops.
A hot lunch will be provided by local food business BRAT BROS, with options including chicken gyros, halloumi pittas, bratwurst rolls and falafel wraps. Vegetarian, vegan and halal options will be available.
The second event, HAF: A Day of Festive Family Fun!, will run from 1pm to 4pm and offers a more relaxed, free-flowing programme.
Activities include Lego building, dodgeball, Nerf blasters, mini-Olympics and festive crafts, along with unlimited access to Portsea Adventure Playground. Lunch will be jacket potatoes with a range of toppings, provided by Portsmouth’s Jacket Potato Ladies.
Both events will feature stalls from local organisations offering advice and support. Every family attending will be entered into a prize draw to win a Ninja Air Fryer or one of two Nutribullet blenders, and will receive a free festive hamper donated by Waitrose Southsea.
Cllr Nicholas Dorrington, cabinet member for children, families and education, said: “We know the festive season can be a challenging time for many families. These events are about more than just fun – they’re an opportunity to share a meal, learn new skills and connect with local support services.”
Places can be reserved at eequ.org/haffunpompey.
Families unsure about eligibility can visit portsmouth.gov.uk and search for free school meals.