Manchester parks set to host free tai chi, yoga and green gym sessions

Parks across Manchester are set to play host to hundreds of fun, free activity sessions as ParkLives returns to the city for a third year.

Taking place daily in 12 parks and green spaces across Manchester including Heaton Park and Alexandra Park, activities will range from family fishing and health walks to lunchtime and buggy bootcamps, and are designed to appeal to everyone, regardless of ability or experience.

The programme has been devised following consultation with local communities and will see new activities such as tai chi and green gym circuits feature on the timetable this spring and summer.

It all starts this Easter Bank Holiday weekend (15th and 16th April) with Easter egg hunts and family fun activities, including arts and crafts, giant garden games and face painting at Heaton Park from 12 to 3pm.

Sessions last for around one hour and are hosted by trained, friendly and passionate leaders and volunteers from the local area. Activities are group-based, and everyone can go at their own pace.

Laura Gligan, who will be leading health walking sessions at Clayton Vale Park and Alexandra Park over the summer, said: “ParkLives is for absolutely everyone. I have a mixture of ages and abilities at my walking group, with some participants on the road to recovery from serious illnesses.

“The sessions fit easily around everyone’s schedules and help improve confidence and give people the chance to meet new people. It’s great to see so many of my group having fun and socialising outside of the sessions too.”

ParkLives is part of a £20 million commitment by Coca-Cola Great Britain to invest in community-based programmes.

It runs in 10 cities nationwide as well as reaching many more locations through a partnership with StreetGames, the long-standing charity partner of Coca-Cola Great Britain that brings sports and activities to the doorsteps of disadvantaged communities across the UK.

Find out more at www.parklives.com