Two new play areas will be officially opened in Lowestoft next week.

It comes as a national initiative returns to the town with several free activities and events being held.

Love Parks Week - the national scheme backed by Keep Britain Tidy to celebrate Parks and Open Spaces - will return to Lowestoft once more.

With Lowestoft Town Council once again taking part in Love Parks Week - which takes place from Friday, July 28 to Sunday, August 6 - it will highlight the many ways people can enjoy the town's parks and open spaces for free over the summer holidays.

After the town council was a finalist in the Keep Britain Tidy Network Awards in the Love Parks category for its online campaign in 2022, this year they have partnered with Get Suffolk Reading and Norfolk and Waveney MIND to bring a variety of events to some of its parks.

Events will include the official opening of two of Lowestoft Town Council's newest play areas - a new 'space-themed' play area at Rosedale Park and the new 'Alice in Wonderland' play area at Sparrows Nest Gardens - as well as the launch of a new hedgehog story trail in Kensington Gardens and a day of mental wellbeing involving nature activities in Fen Park.

Sonia Barker, mayor of Lowestoft, said: "I am delighted that Lowestoft Town Council are working with other local organisations to put on a range of free events for Love Parks Week as we look to celebrate and care for our open spaces together."

Sally Connick, project manager for Get Suffolk Reading in Lowestoft, said: "We developed this trail for families to read in the park together, with questions on each page to encourage chat and observation, as well as space for children to create their own illustrations and bring a personal touch to the story."

All of the activities are free and open to everyone, but are weather permitting.

Activities

Tuesday, August 1: Rosedale Park - Official opening of 'space-themed' play area.

Wednesday, August 2: Kensington Gardens - Launch of Get Suffolk Reading’s 'Hedgehog Story Trail' with guided trail walks (11am and 1pm) and additional activities. 'Come and Play Bowls' with Kensington Gardens Bowls Club from 6.30pm.

Thursday, August 3: Sparrows Nest Gardens - Official opening of 'Alice in Wonderland' play area. Andy the Clown summer event and Lowestoft Town Hall Project heritage bike activities.

Friday, August 4: Fen Park - Norfolk and Waveney MIND activities including Crops in Pots (9am-4pm), Forest Bathing (10am-11am) and Taster Climate Café (3pm-4pm).

Saturday August 5: Sparrows Nest Gardens and The Ness - Lowestoft Pride (noon-5pm). Demonstrations of The Ness augmented reality app.

Full details on the events are available at www.lowestofttowncouncil.gov.uk