Andy's Backyard Gets Off to a Fantastic Start at Festival Place
Festival Place’s summer event, Andy’s backyard, got off to a great start as families from across the region came together for a weekend packed with fun, toy swaps and plenty of Toy Story inspired moments.
The Great Toy Swap:
A huge thank you to everyone who donated and took part in the Toy Swap Shop. Thanks to the generosity of our local community, an incredible 120 toys were rehomed in just one day, giving pre-loved toys a second life while bringing smiles to children’s faces.
Families enjoyed browsing a fantastic selection of donated toys, discovering hidden treasures and choosing a favourite to take home. It was a wonderful reminder that even the smallest of acts of kindness can make a big difference. Any remaining toys have now been donated to charity, ensuring they continue to bring joy to others.
A Weekend Full of Family Fun
The Retail Therapy Couch was buzzing with activity, offering something for visitors of all ages.
Children’s author Amelia Tait delighted young readers with a Q&A and book signing for her much loved book Lily Tripp: Diary of an Accidental Time Traveller. Visitors also had the chance to learn more about this year's Summer Reading Challenge with Basingstoke Discovery Centre, while family food creator Holly Dorman shared practical, budget-friendly meal ideas for busy families.
The team from Basingstoke Sports Centre also joined the fun, chatting to families about simple ways to stay healthy and active over the summer holidays, while Baggage World put visitors' packing skills to the test with its interactive packing challenge, proving popular with children and adults alike.
From inspiring talks and hands-on activities to exciting challenges, there was something around every corner to keep families entertained throughout the day.
“Andy’s Coming!”
No Andy's Backyard launch would be complete without taking on the viral "Andy's Coming!" challenge.
Visitors of all ages joined in the fun, dropping to the floor as Andy's name was called, creating a brilliant atmosphere across the centre. The challenge sparked plenty of laughter, memorable photos and a fantastic sense of community, making it the perfect way to celebrate the launch of our summer event.
There’s Still More Summer Fun to Come!
If you missed the opening weekend, don't worry—there's still plenty of free family fun to enjoy throughout August.
Join us from 11am - 4pm for our FREE Saturday Summer Workshops, with a different creative activity each week:
- 8th August - Build, design & create your own plane
- 15th August - Paint your own 'brick' minifigure
- 22nd August - Bug Building Brilliance
Whether you're looking for a fun family day out, a creative activity to keep the kids entertained or simply an excuse to make more summer memories, there is still plenty to discover at Andy’s Backyard.
We can't wait to welcome you back to Festival Place for more free family fun this summer!
