Summer Big Day In at Swansgate Shopping Centre, Wellingborough
If you’re stuck for something free to do with the kids this weekend, Swansgate Shopping Centre in Wellingborough is hosting a full day of free storytelling, crafts and walkabout characters this Saturday, and it’s the kind of thing you can just turn up to without any booking or planning required.
The Summer Big Day In is being put on by Made With Many, and it’s packed with things to keep little ones entertained for as much or as little time as you fancy — whether you’re planning your whole day around it or just popping in while you do your shopping.
When and Where
- Date: Saturday 8th August
- Time: 10am – 4pm
- Location: Swansgate Shopping Centre (the unit opposite Iceland), 18 Spring Lane, Wellingborough NN8 1EY
- Cost: Free
What’s On
Throughout the day, you’ll spot some brilliant walkabout characters roaming the centre — including the Puddle Ducks and Billy the Meandering Goat, who’ll be wandering around at various points making friends with anyone who stops to say hello.
There’s also a proper line-up of hands-on activities happening at the former GoPLAY Kids unit near Greggs:
- Ahoy To Be A Pirate – an interactive treasure hunt storytelling session with performer Aaron Spendelow, using puppetry and audience participation to search for hidden treasure maps. Afterwards, kids can make their own pirate mask and join the pirate crew for a final storytelling moment before taking it home.
- Visionaries – a make-and-take craft session with artist Sophie Cullinan, where kids can create their own pair of “visions of the future” glasses.
- Gallery for Change – postcard making with artist Alison Carpenter-Hughes, where children can create a postcard sharing their ideas for the future to add to the Gallery for Change.
The Made With Many team will also be on hand on behalf of Queensway Pride in Place, so if you live locally, it’s a good chance to share your thoughts on what you’d like to see happening in the Queensway area.
Parking and Access
Free parking is available at Jackson’s Lane and Commercial Way Multi Storey, which is joined directly to Swansgate Shopping Centre. Accessible parking is available for Blue Badge holders.
The centre has level, disabled access via the main Market Street entrance or via the car park, and wheelchairs are available on request by calling the centre on 01933 226029. Accessible toilets and baby changing facilities are on site, and there’s a Changing Places toilet nearby at Wellingborough Library.
There’s no need to book for any of it — just turn up on the day and join in with as much as you fancy. If free days out like this are your kind of thing, it’s worth having a browse of our free things to do with kids in Northamptonshire guide for more ideas to fill the summer holidays, and you can grab our rainy day ideas pack for free too, just in case the weather has other plans.
