FUN AT FEN COURT: A FAMILY DAY OF PLAY IN THE SQUARE MILE

• FUN AT FEN COURT is the centrepiece of a fun-packed programme of family-friendly events in the City running throughout the summer

• The event, on Saturday 15 July will feature face painters, balloon artists and magicians

• It forms part of a series of family activities including Urban Playground, Morph’s Epic Art Adventure and Sculpture in the City hosted by the Eastern City Business Improvement District (EC BID)

FUN AT FEN COURT - a spectacular fun day designed to entertain and captivate both children and adults alike - is coming to the City of London next month. The free event for people of all ages is taking place from 10am – 3pm on Saturday 15 July at the Urban Playground installation at Fen Court. The extraordinary day of entertainment and discovery promises to be an unforgettable experience for families in the heart of the Square Mile.

Families are invited to come by the installation and enjoy face painting, performances by magicians and take home their own artwork created by interactive balloon artists. Children can also bask in the summer with popcorn and ice cream while exploring the Urban Playground. The interactive Urban Playground installation, designed by McCloy + Muchemwa for the 2023 edition of London Festival of Architecture captivates visitors of all ages, and is a modern twist on the traditional playground, inviting children to climb, wonder and explore through its uniquely shaped elements. It is made of sustainably sourced materials and is inspired by children’s wooden toys; the shapes form a “trail of breadcrumbs” through the City, igniting FUN AT FEN COURT with exciting elements of the unexpected.

FUN AT FEN COURT is one of a series of family escapades and experiences running all summer long in the Square Mile. The brilliant programme of events for families has been launched by the EC BID to encourage a new audience to the City. Whether families are seeking exciting adventures, cultural experiences, or simply opportunities to relax and unwind together, the Square Mile has it covered this summer.

Other highlights for families to enjoy in the City include:

Morph’s Epic Art Adventure: Families can embark on a thrilling, magical quest through the City with TV character Morph and his friends. The trail guides visitors through a series of interactive games, challenges, and puzzles. The immersive, free art trail is scattered with super-sized sculptures from the much-loved children’s show, where they can explore the City’s famous streets, discovering sculptures and unlocking a series of rewards and fun facts. The creative, step-free installation is hosted by Whizz-Kidz, the UK’s leading charity, as part of an initiative to celebrate London through creativity while also increasing public awareness about the needs of young wheelchair users. Morph’s Epic Art Adventures sure to ignite the imagination of children and adults alike, providing an unforgettable adventure in the heart of London.

Padel Tennis Festival: After their Morph adventure, families can pop by for a celebration of padel, the world’s fastest growing sport. Described as a combination of tennis, squash and badminton, visitors are invited to enjoy a lively game in the Square Mile, by the iconic Tower of London. The all-inclusive game is wheelchair accessible and available for all genders, ages and abilities and makes the perfect Family Fun Day for families looking to kick off their child’s sports journey or improve their health and wellbeing together.

Sculpture in the City: Art enthusiasts in the family can look forward to exploring contemporary art at Sculpture in the City, the annual sculpture park that uses the City’s iconic streets as a rotating gallery space. Families can catch Sculpture in the City as it makes its return for its 12th edition, and explore the trail of sculptures, including works by Emma Louise Moore, Emma Smith and Jesse Pollock. Highlights in the Eastern City include... Bloom Paradise, three-dimensional, multi-coloured lotuses symbolising hope and love by the Plaza outside Fenchurch Street station; as well as Summer Moon, an abstract representation of time shown through life-size sculptures of ancient olive trees in white- painted aluminium at Undershaft, next to St Helens Church.

Images credit - Mickey Lee