WITH the sun shining, Jersey’s Children’s Day saw crowds of families gather together in Howard Davis Park.
Children were able to take part in numerous activities, including zorbing, jumping on bouncy castles and having their faces painted.
Charities and organisations from across the Island were also represented in the park on Sunday, with Jersey Library talking about the services for children and its summer reading challenge, which starts next week.
The annual event was started following a recommendation of the Jersey Citizens’ Panel, in the wake of the Independent Jersey Care Inquiry that shed light on decades of abuse in the Island’s care system.
Cheyenne O’Connor, who worked on the citizens’ panel, said: ‘Children’s Day was there to remember the past and the failures that have happened in the Island. So we have to move forward and look forward to bright futures and really putting children first.
‘It’s already really busy and it’s only 11 o’clock. All the kids are excited.’
She added that although the organisers had expected a slower morning with mostly younger children, it was already busy early in the day.
Ashlynne (10) said her favourite part of the day was ice cream. Despite thinking it was a shame not to have archery again, mother Claire said she was hoping to get Ashlynn to try boxing and zorbing, adding: ‘It’s really nice to see some of the inflatables and activities.’
‘Finally it’s Children’s Day,’ one child was overheard saying. ‘We’ve had Mother’s Day and Father’s Day already.’
