AN ASHINGTON TOWN COUNCIL SUPPORTED EVENT

Get Active Family Fun Day and Walking Football Festival Coming to Ashington

The Hirst Welfare Centre in Ashington is set to host an exciting Get Active Family Fun Day on Saturday 2nd August 2025, running from 10am to 3pm. This free community event, arranged by Jake Preece Sport Development and Carla Thompson, Locality Coordinator for South East Northumberland Coast, Northumberland County Council and supported by Ashington Town Council, combines health and wellbeing activities with the 4th Annual Walking Football Festival, offering something for every member of the family.

A Day of Health and Fitness Discovery

The main hall will be bustling with activities from local organisations dedicated to promoting health and fitness within the community. Families can explore a diverse range of opportunities, from trying rowing machines with Cambois Rowing Club to experiencing the innovative smoothie bike from Full Circle Food, which combines exercise with healthy eating education.

The Hirst Welfare Gym will be hosting an open day with taster sessions, giving visitors the chance to explore fitness options close to home. Meanwhile, the Hirst Communities and Housing Programme will be sharing information about the Hirst Master Plan, demonstrating the ongoing commitment to community development.

Mental health and wellbeing take centre stage with Mortal Fools offering craft activities designed to support mental wellness, while Grace Northumberland’s rape crisis team will provide valuable information on mental health wellbeing resources.

Sports and Recreation for All Ages
Discover a wide range of activities and information from local organisations:
Ashington Choi Kwang Do - Demonstrations at 11am and 1.45pm
Cambois Rowing Club - Try out rowing machines and learn about club membership
Full Circle Food Project - Experience the smoothie bike and get healthy eating tips
Hirst Welfare Centre - Gym Open day with taster sessions. 
Hirst Communities and Housing Programme - Learn about the Hirst Master Plan
Mortal Fools - Mental health and wellbeing craft activities
Wansbeck Gymnastics and Trampolining Club - Information and recruitment
Wansbeck Community Links - Healthy Walk & Talk promotion
Clubbercise & Line Dancing - Taster sessions with Cllr Karl Green
Ashington Rugby Club - Promotion and taster sessions on the field
Gladwin’s Ballet & Stage School - Information and dance routines
Specsavers - Providing information on the services we provide to support eye health along with a colouring competition to win a pair of sunglasses for children.
Wansbeck Paddle Sports Club - Information and recruitment
Grace Northumberland - Mental health wellbeing support and information
Talking Marras - mental health peer support group, with information and visits to their community garden at the Hirst Welfare

Walking Football Festival Supports Important Causes

The highlight of the day is the 4th Annual Walking Football Festival, hosted by Wansbeck Wanderers Walking Football Club. This non-competitive 7-a-side festival features mixed teams for participants aged 18 and above, creating an inclusive environment for players of all abilities.

The festival serves a dual purpose, not only providing entertainment and sporting competition but also raising funds for two important causes: Alzheimer’s Society and Bright Northumbria Healthcare Charity. While all team places are now fully booked and registration has closed, spectators are warmly welcomed to come along and support the teams throughout the day.

Community Refreshments and Atmosphere

Adding to the festive atmosphere, Caribe Coffee Co will have their electric coffee van positioned on the field, ensuring visitors can stay refreshed throughout the day. Tommy Ices will also be present on the field from 12pm to 1pm, providing a sweet treat for families to enjoy. And of course you can sample the Hirst Welfare’s delicious menu.

Free Access for All

One of the most appealing aspects of the Get Active Family Fun Day is that all activities are completely free of charge. This accessibility ensures that financial barriers don’t prevent families from participating in this community celebration of health, fitness, and togetherness.

The event represents a collaborative effort between numerous local organisations, each contributing their expertise and resources to create a comprehensive day of activities that cater to diverse interests and age groups.

Looking Forward to Community Connection

The Get Active Family Fun Day and Walking Football Festival exemplifies the spirit of community engagement that makes Ashington special. By bringing together sports clubs, health organisations, local businesses, and residents, the event creates opportunities for new connections, skill development, and community pride.

Whether visitors are looking to try a new sport, learn about health and wellbeing resources, support local charities, or simply enjoy a day out with family and friends, the event at Hirst Welfare Centre promises to deliver an enriching experience for all who attend.

The combination of established community organisations and exciting activities ensures that Saturday 2nd August will be a memorable day for Ashington residents, reinforcing the town’s commitment to promoting active, healthy lifestyles for all ages.