Children at Hackney Marsh Adventure Playground enjoy a day of face-painting, fancy dress and a group conga towards Hackney Town Hall

Children in multi-coloured fancy dress did the conga to Hackney Town Hall last week to celebrate a national day of fun and games.

Face-painting at Hackney Marshes began the day for the 26 children from Hackney Marsh Adventure Playground, who then paraded to Hackney Town Hall.

There, an afternoon of sports was on the cards for the four to 16-year-olds, with a hockey game, hula hoops and skipping.

They were joined by children from Shakespeare Walk Adventure Playground, Stoke Newington, and decorated the pavement with chalk drawings.

The highlight of the afternoon was a tug of war in front of the Town Hall.

Senior play organiser Angela Day said: “This event proves why outdoor play is really important for children especially to get out, meet others and have fun.

“The message is clear: give children good, fun play space to go and they will feel a part of their community.”

The day was rounded off with a giant hokey cokey in the square before children paraded back to the play centre.

Playday is held annually on the first Wednesday of August. It is a national campaign which shows the importance of children’s right to play.