Lewes MP joins the fun at Tapestry’s and Playworkeramber’s Play In The Everyday family event

A local community play event has caught the attention of James MacCleary, MP for Lewes. Play In The Everyday which took place in Lewes, was hosted by Tapestry, the childhood education platform, and Amber Ogunsanya-William, aka Playworkeramber, and was packed with activities including mask making and designing tote bags, to puppet shows and stilt walkers.

 James MacCleary, who attended with one of his children, has a longstanding interest in early education and play. He said: "Tapestry's play event for local families was buzzing and I am delighted that a local business is supporting initiatives of this sort, we need more! As someone who's got two children in primary school locally at the moment, I'm extremely aware of the importance of the developmental side of play. I have raised early education and play in parliament as an important part of children's early life, and have done a lot of work around play and its value, including chairing the all-party parliamentary group on early education and childcare."

 Local parent, Sam Beech, said: "Play In The Everyday has been a fantastic day full of fun, imagination and play! Beautiful activities that had children of all ages crafting, creating, and a puppet show that filled the room with laughter. Thank you Amber and Tapestry for hosting."

 The event was generously supported by a host of sponsors including educational suppliers, YPO, who provided goodie bags for families to take home; Wicksteed, who provided a ‘springy horse’; The Dolly Parton Imagination Library who provided books for each child and edtech digital publisher, Twinkl, who supported the activities throughout the day.

 Amber Ogunsanya‑William’s childhood was spent in Tower Hamlets in London, an area with very limited access to parks and green spaces. But her father managed an adventure playground, giving her an imaginative wonderland in which she thrived. “I literally grew up in the adventure playground, and that experience has been the heartbeat of my journey into working within the play sector. It continues to drive my commitment to championing children’s right to play. Hosting the family play event with Tapestry is a huge honour and it’s been incredible to have a chance to speak to so many parents and carers.”

 The day was also a chance for families to get a glimpse of the soon to launch ‘Play in The Everyday’ animated films. The six mini-films are about playing everywhere whether that’s on the bus, in a queue or whilst shopping.

 Dr Helen Edwards, Co-founder of Tapestry said: “It was a wonderful, joyful day with so much laughter and fun from the children, and their families. Everyone loved the Play In The Everyday animated films and we’re looking forward to sharing them with families everywhere.”

 The animated films will be available to watch on the Tapestry website shortly https://tapestry.info/collaborations/playworkeramber/