HUNDREDS of local families gathered at Bank Park, Warrington, yesterday for the spectacular launch of the 2026 Victoria Park Experience (VPX) summer series.
The highly anticipated “VPX On Tour” opened its first session on Wednesday, August 5, transforming the grounds outside Warrington Town Hall into a vibrant hub of free entertainment, games, and community activities.
Organised in partnership by Warrington Youth Zone and We Are Warrington (Warrington BID), the initiative aims to provide accessible, cost-free entertainment for families during the school summer holidays.
Yesterday’s opening event featured a vast lineup of attractions designed for children of all ages, from toddlers to teenagers.
The park was packed with interactive activities, including giant inflatables, bouncy castles, face painting, and a massive outdoor darts game. Creative workshops and arts and crafts stations allowed children to explore their artistic sides, while various sports clinics kept energy levels high throughout the afternoon.Cyclists also took advantage of specialised cycling lessons and a free bicycle marking service provided on-site to help secure local property.
For families looking for a quieter environment, Home-Start Warrington and Cheshire set up a dedicated pavilion chill-out zone equipped with books, sensory toys, floor cushions, and blankets.
Beyond the recreational activities, the first VPX event served as a major platform for community engagement. Representatives from Cheshire Police and the Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service volunteered their time to connect with local residents in a relaxed setting. Children queued up to explore emergency service vehicles, try on authentic police uniforms, and experience sitting inside a police vehicle cell.Organisers emphasized that the event’s primary goal is to foster community cohesion while easing the financial burden on parents during the summer break. By eliminating booking requirements and ticket costs, the festival ensured total inclusivity for all attendees.
Yesterday’s gathering marks the first of four major events scheduled throughout August. The tour will return to Bank Park next Wednesday, August 12, before moving to Victoria Park for the final two weeks of the school holidays on August 19 and August 26.
Warrington Worldwide’s work experience student Elliot Taylor checked out the event – see below.
Pictures John Hopkins
Click on the image above for a gallery of photos.
