James Wild MP has joined children taking part in the Big Norfolk Holiday Fun programme at Gaywood primary school which gives young people in King’s Lynn and across Norfolk the chance to take part in a variety of free holiday activities. Having already run this Easter, the summer programme runs until 2 September 2025 offering up to 16 days of activities at no cost for eligible children. Attendees can enjoy a wide range of activities from football and dodgeball, to arts and crafts and cooking.
Delivered in partnership with Norfolk County Council, the programme is coordinated by Active Norfolk, whose work across the area ensures that children have access to safe, engaging, and stimulating opportunities during the holidays. The programme will continue running this winter.
To see the initiative in action, James visited Gaywood primary school where he was welcomed by Active Norfolk Chair Kevin Revell and Head of Active Communities, Rebecca Tuff. During his visit, he spoke with children about baking skills they were learning as they made jam and marshmallow tarts, took to the school field to see a game of tag led by ICS Coaching, took part in a food-themed quiz with the children, all before joining in a lively game of ‘disco dodgeball’.
James also discussed Active Norfolk’s across King’s Lynn and West Norfolk and exploring how the organisation works to support children’s wellbeing, raise aspirations, and improve access to activities for those with long-term health conditions and disabilities.
As part of Active Norfolk's place based and multi-partnership approach working with relevant local groups to tailor programmes to the communities in which it operates, it works with initiatives such as Project RISE in North Lynn, a community programme tackling crime and anti-social behaviour and providing more opportunities locally. Through this partnership approach, Active Norfolk has been able to draw on valuable insight from RISE’s local surveys showing that sports such as swimming and trampolining are among the most requested activities by young people.
As keen runner and sports fan, James has actively supported these efforts, advocating for continued funding to ensure these opportunities remain available for local young people and the wider community.
James Wild MP said:
“Visiting the Big Norfolk Holiday Fun programme at Gaywood primary underlined how much these activities mean to young people. It gives children the chance to be active, try new things, and build confidence all while enjoying time with friends in a supportive environment. Unfortunately I had forgotten the 5 D's of dodgeball - dodge, duck, dip, dive, and dodge so didn't help my team much.
I very much welcome the way Active Norfolk and its partners combine sport, learning, and community engagement to create experiences that genuinely benefit children and families across West Norfolk and beyond. It is essential that this programme continues to be funded for future years and I will be urging the government to commit to that."
For full details of the activities in King’s Lynn and West Norfolk and to book, visit Active Norfolk’s website: King’s Lynn and West Big Norfolk Holiday Fun 24 July - 5 September.
