Saturday saw the start of a six-week long summer holiday season of completely free activities and competitions, courtesy of Idlewells Shopping Centre and its retailers.

Three pirate shows from local business Fancy Entertainment raised the roof and had children captivated, whilst they watched and got involved with the loveable rogues’ antics.

As well as a free beach pit area and a giant deckchair, the shopping centre has laid on a packed programme of free beach activities and mini-candy floss every Wednesday, workshops every Saturday – and two special events of free donkey rides on 8th August and cash prize hook-a-duck on 22nd August.

The beach pit has been built by local landscaper John Bowden, aka The Garden Barber. John donated the 5mx3m sand pit and artifical turf play area to the idlewells for the children of Sutton to enjoy this summer and beyond.

“The first day was absolutely fantastic.” Said Chloe O’Donnell, Manager of Idlewells. “The kids – big and little – loved the giant deckchair, the beach pit was a real hit and the pirate shows went down a storm! We’re looking forward to a full six weeks of fun, having laid on a really good selection of free activities.

“I guess the highlight will be the free donkey rides on 8th August – we will have two donkeys delighting children here in the centre!”

Full details of activities and workshops can be found at www.idlewells.co.uk and on the Idlewells Facebook page.

Pictured serving up free mocktails by the beach pit are, back, Rachel taylor-Colclough and Kara Dudley. Front, Tilly, 8, Alfie, 8, Eddie, 8, Evie, 6, Honey, 9, and Angel, 6.