Cliffe Castle hosts first family event since lockdown

The Fairy and Dragonfly Trail and Summer Reading Challenge brought families back to the park after events were halted in March 2020.

The event was organised by Bradford Council’s Heritage Parks Officer Emma Rochford and brought together a number of local organisations.

These included Bradford Council, Keighley Healthy Living, Cliffe Castle Support Group and 50 Things to do Before You’re Five.

A ‘fairy door hunt’ around the park, inspired by local writer Philip Rushworth’s ‘7 Door’ story about dragon flies and dragons, got families exploring together. The ‘doors’ were created by wellbeing support group The Lion’s Den Shed, which has its base in Cliffe Castle Park. They ranged from Circus Big Tops to Egyptian pyramids.

Other activities included outdoor arts and crafts hosted by Keighley Healthy Living, Bradford Libraries promoting the Wild World Heroes Summer Reading Challenge (LINK) and a performance from North Wind Tribal Belly Dancers.

People also had the opportunity to sign up to Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library, open to anyone from Keighley Central, East or West with children under five. The scheme sends children free books every month.

Cliffe Castle Support Group helped out by distributing trail maps, serving refreshments and providing information on upcoming activities at the park.

Emma Rochford, said: “It was lovely to see families enjoying themselves again after lockdown. Everyone involved has worked so hard to put on something special for Cliffe Castle's first event in 18 months and you could see from the smiles on everyone's faces how happy people were to be back doing what they love - visitors and performers alike!”

Cllr Sarah Ferriby, Portfolio Holder for Healthy People and Places, said: “It’s great that people are able to start enjoying events in our parks again. The enthusiasm of those who went along to and helped run Cliffe Castle’s event at the weekend proves how popular these activities really are.”