Family event to celebrate Safer Streets project

A free family event is taking place on Saturday 28 May as part of Chelmsford’s Safer Streets project in the Bunny Walks. The day will be fun and informative for the whole family, with a variety of activities from a wildflower walk to a personal safety skills workshop.

The event is being run by Chelmsford City Council’s community safety team and will include key partners from Essex Police, Essex Fire and Rescue Service, the Environment Agency, Chelmsford City Football Club, and many more.

Family activities

There will be activities running between 10am and 4pm including the launch of a new family app along the Bunny Walks. Some of you may recognise the main character in the app named ‘Harry Otter’ with the help of Chelmsford residents. See if you can spot Harry on one of the new murals in the Bunny Walks.

Boris the Bear from Chelmsford Museum will also make an appearance during the event, so be sure to go and say hello to him while you’re there. These are free to attend, and you don’t have to book in advance. Events also include:

• ‘My Small Change’ interactive car
• Herbal arts station
• Ice cream van
• Bike marking
• Free dog microchipping for dogs aged eight weeks or older. This should be a pet (e.g. not a puppy for sale) which has a collar and tag, and that has not already had a chip implanted.

Bookable events

There are two events that will require booking in advance though, as the numbers are limited:

Personal safety skills taster workshop (11.30-12.30pm)

A fun taster session for anyone over 11 to help learn some useful personal safety skills and tips that will help you to feel more confident and powerful. You will also be taught to maintain your own personal space in a physical situation. You can book your space for this free event on Eventbrite.

Family Wildflower Walk (1-3pm)

Have you ever walked through the Bunny Walks in Chelmsford and noticed the variety of plants along the route? If you haven’t, Lora Aziz (herbal artist and author) will take you on a guided tour. She’ll explore the uses of edible and medicinal local plants found on the walk, while delving into folk lore, remedies, and recipes. There will also be an opportunity to play with some inks and paints from natural foraged materials.

You can book your place on Eventbrite.

Location

All events will take place on the green area opposite Fifth Avenue play area, CM1 4HD. This is a short walk from Arun Close car park, Arun Close, Chelmsford CM1 7QE (Springfield Football Club) should you wish to drive. The family wildflower walk will start and end at this location too.

RideLondon – Anglia Ruskin University

RideLondon Classique event is also taking place on Saturday 28 and will leave Anglia Ruskin University at 11am. A Family Cycle Festival is being held as part of the celebration. You can watch the riders sign on and prepare for their ride and there will be music and food as well as activities from 9.30-1pm. Luckily, this cycling event is a close walk to the family safer streets event, giving you time to do both.