East End kids go back to playing in the street at Poplar’s outsdoor fun party

Youngsters were getting down to the serious business of having fun—while mums were getting tips on how to prepare healthy meals at home and how to keep the home safe from fire.

The third annual street party at Around Poplar children’s centre in London’s East End had face painting and activities like the big bouncy castle and plenty of pavement games, getting back to the days when it was safe to play in the street.

Toddlers got stuck in with the creative zones with lots of colourful paints and plasticine.

“We came last year and it keeps getting better,” said one mum, Jelena Samsonova. “Kids love playing out on the street which is fun in a safe environment—there was so much for them to do.”

The event laid on by the Children’s Centres Parents’ Forum and Tower Hamlets council was part of an annual open day of activities when the centres invite the community to get together.

The Forum provided healthy snacks while experts gave families advice on how to make healthy meals at home.

The Fire Brigade’s fire truck was a hit with the kids while parents got tips on home safety.

Even community cops joined in the fun letting kids try on their helmets—recruits seem to get younger and younger every year.

The street party was part of a programme of children centres putting on summertime activities to encourage youngsters to grow and develop.