Free activities to welcome visitors

To mark the inaugural World Parks Day on Saturday 20 September, The Royal Parks is joining organisations from across the globe to demonstrate how urban parks make a difference to communities everywhere.

Across The Royal Parks, a range of free activity for adults and children alike is taking place to encourage visitors to enjoy a new experience as part of their park visit. Attractions include:

• The Smallest Cinema in the World, a tiny mobile cinema showing a series of films by Annika Eriksson that portray the lesser known activities and reveal hidden secrets about the Park during the summer. Open all day in Queen Mary's Gardens, The Regent's Park.
• The opportunity to visit Brompton Cemetery Chapel, as part of London Open House Weekend. The Chapel will be open from 1-5pm and a guided tour of the Cemetery is taking place at 2pm.
• The Wind House, a temporary sculpture made by Polish contemporary artist Monika Sosnowska on Primrose Hill.
• Portavilion Storywalk and Workshop, 2-4.30pm. A story telling walk and workshop for children (5+) and families, inspired by The Wind House.

Mark Camley, Chief Executive of The Royal Parks said:

"Parks play a vital role in the capital's cityscape, providing a range of benefits for visitors and the local community such as improved fitness, enhanced mental health and wellbeing, fresh air, and the opportunity to connect with the environment. To mark World Parks Day and the approach of autumn, it's a great time to visit the Parks for sport, leisure, rest or relaxation."

Media enquiries:

For further press information or images please contact
Katy Murray on 0300 061 2128 or kmurray@royalparks.gsi.gov.uk or
Lucy Skipper on 0300 061 2145 or lskipper@royalparks.gsi.gov.uk

Notes to Editors

• For more information about World Parks Day, please visit: www.worldparksday.com
• For further details about activities in The Royal Parks on Saturday 20 September, please visit www.royalparks.org.uk
• The Smallest Cinema in the World Part is part of the Portavilion project that showcases international artists and celebrates London's most treasured open spaces.
• Portavilion Story Walk and Workshop, Saturday 20 September 2-4.30pm. The session will begin with games and warm up exercises followed by a gentle walk (approx 1hour) around the park interspersed by stories by renowned story-teller Richard Sylvester from JIGSAW (Journey Into Green Space and Waterways). The stories will unfold in different locations and be loosely based on local history, as well as taking The Wind House as a starting point and tapping into the magical tales from Polish folk-lore. After the walk, there will be a chance for everyone to create their own stories, poems or performances under the guidance of Richard and his team.
  
  The JIGSAW parachute/tent will provide a base for the event and shelter if it rains, but please bear in mind this is an outdoor event and be prepared for our British weather! Refreshments will be served. The event is FREE but booking is advised by emailing info@upprojects.com or telephone 020 7033 3568. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
  
  The Portavilion Story Walk is an UP Projects production as part of Portavilion � Public Art for London's Parks (www.portavilion.com) in collaboration with the Polish Cultural Institute, the RoyalParks, Westminster Council, and Camden Council.
• The Royal Parks are: Bushy Park, The Green Park, Greenwich Park, Hyde Park, Kensington Gardens, The Regent's Park and Primrose Hill, Richmond Park and St James's Park. For more details visit: www.royalparks.org.uk
• The Royal Parks is an executive agency of the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.