Great Childhoods Ambition Celebration Event 28th March 2026

Join us on Saturday 28 March in The Glass Works Square for a free family celebration marking one year of Barnsley’s Great Childhoods Ambition. 

The event brings together local organisations and community partners for a funfilled day of activities, performances and hands on experiences for children and young people of all ages.  

Enjoy creative workshops, sports sessions, digital adventures, science experiments, circus skills and live entertainment. With over 25 stalls to explore, families can also access information and support from local services while discovering the amazing opportunities available to young people across Barnsley. 

The activities are fully free to attend and take part in. 

Event highlights 

Arts, culture, and crafts 

Enjoy drop in art workshops, creative mask painting, mixed crafts, card making, and Easter activities. Get hands on with t-shirt and tote bag printing, seed planting and eco crafts, plus musical instrument tasters from Barnsley Music Service. 

Youth groups 

Create wellbeing bags and play interactive games. Try giant inflatable darts and join in a range of youth led activities, with advice and support available throughout the day. 

Digital and experimental 

Take part in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) workshops, watch fun science experiments, and explore a mega gaming marquee packed with consoles, dance mats and a Mario Kart themed exercise bike. Coding club drop ins will also run inside Library @ the Lightbox. 

Sports and physical activity 

Try soft archery and axe throwing, improve on your football skills and penalty shootouts with Barnsley FC (plus a visit from Toby Tyke). Enjoy athletics tasters, water safety demos and mini sports sessions. 

Carnival and traditional games 

Have a go at the high striker, pig racing, ring toss, coconut shy games and mini circus skills. Enjoy a free to play tombola from Goldthorpe Development Group. 

Performances 

Catch live sets from talented young singers, performers from Barnsley Youth Choir and musical sessions from Barnsley Music Service, including the Barnsley Drummers. 

Support and advice 

Learn about volunteering opportunities with Barnsley CVS and discover the support available from Barnsley Family Hubs. 

See also… 

• Great Childhoods Ambition