Free summer holiday activity programme returns to Wixams for local families

Young Bedfordians taking part in a gymnastics class as part of summer holiday activities in Wixams Image supplied by empr
Image: supplied by empr.

Families in Wixams can access four weeks of free summer holiday activities this August, designed to ease financial pressure on parents while keeping young people active.

The programme runs from 4 to 28 August 2026, offering sessions from Tuesday to Friday with primary school-aged children catered for in the mornings and secondary-aged youth in the afternoons.

Good news thanks to you orange & black supporters banner

Organised through a partnership between master developer Urban&Civic, charity Bedford Giving, and the Bedford Blues Foundation, the initiative builds on last year’s series.

Activities on offer include football, cricket, arts and crafts, an inflatable assault course, and a dedicated morning focused on children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Jordan Payne, communications and partnerships manager at Urban&Civic, said: “We’ve got a large number of families here in Wixams and we’re always keen to do what we can to make sure there’s plenty for children of all ages to do.

“By supporting this programme we’re ensuring that youngsters can enjoy a summer of fun this August, no matter what their interests are, with plenty of variety on offer and sessions aimed at different age groups.

“Our support also means these sessions can remain free, which we hope is helpful for families in our community when they’re looking for affordable ways to entertain youngsters during the summer holidays.”

Youth wellbeing

Young Bedfordians taking part in tennis lessons as part of summer holiday activities in Wixams Image supplied by empr
Image: supplied by empr.

The initiative also aims to support youth wellbeing and inclusion, building long-term connections between local charities and young residents across the village.

Paul Kellett, director of Bedford Giving, said: “We’re delighted to be part of bringing another Summer of Fun to Wixams.

“At Bedford Giving, we’re passionate about creating opportunities for young people to try new things, build confidence and feel part of something positive in their community.

“We’ve built a strong relationship with young people in Wixams over recent years – from supporting holiday activities like this, to delivering careers mentoring and our Taste of the Workplace: Blue Lights project at Wixams Academy.

“That ongoing work means we understand what young people here need and what helps them thrive.

“This programme really reflects what matters to us – supporting wellbeing through safe, inclusive spaces while also opening up new interests and aspirations.

“By working in partnership with Urban&Civic, Bedford Blues Foundation and others, we can remove barriers to access and make sure every young person has something to look forward to this summer.”

Stay active and make new friends

The sports and activity sessions will be delivered directly by the Bedford Blues Foundation to ensure safe, structured environments for participants.

Alysia Clarke, Operations Manager for the Blues Foundation, said: “We are absolutely delighted to once again secure funding to deliver our popular Summer Camp in Wixams.

“This programme has become a fantastic opportunity for local children of Wixams to stay active, make new friends and enjoy a fun-filled summer in a safe and supportive environment.

“Being able to offer free places means that more families can access high-quality holiday activities without financial barriers, helping children create lasting memories and enjoy positive experiences throughout the summer holidays.

“Following the success of the previous year, we’re excited to return and welcome even more children for another brilliant summer of sport, activities and fun.

“We hope to see you there!”

To find out more and book an event, head to the Blues Foundation website.

Explore more on these topics

Get the latest Bedford news first

Subscribe to our free daily email for our lead story each morning before we publish it anywhere else, plus the key Bedford Borough headlines from the last 24 hours – without having to log into social media.