A free festival for families provided a proper party atmosphere in Barnsley Town Centre at the weekend.

The first ever Family Hubs Festival took place in the Glass Works Square on Saturday 31 August, bringing hundreds of people from Barnsley Town Centre and surrounding areas to join in the celebrations.

Combining professionals from over 20 family support services in Barnsley to give expert advice, help and guidance to local families, and the very best local entertainment for all ages, the Family Hubs Festival had something to offer everyone in attendance while showcasing how families in Barnsley can get the right support at the right time when they need it.

The event showcased jaw-dropping local acts, with crowds wowed by the talent of upcoming DJ Harry Tempo and the stunningly powerful voice of local performing artist, Viva La Vintage.

There was entertainment to keep children of all ages busy for the entire day, with comedy entertainers Daft as a Brush, sports and games with Football Crazy, wacky family-fun with Hippochondriac and imaginations running wild with Shed of Stories.

The festival was a showcase of the Family Hubs and Start for Life programme, which aims to provide one-stop shops for all of Barnsley Council’s family services and provides support to local families with young people from pre-birth to the age of 19, or 25 for those with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

Cabinet Spokesperson for Children’s Services, Cllr Trevor Cave, said: “It was wonderful to see so many families join our celebration of family services in Barnsley. We want Barnsley to be the place of possibilities for all families and help give children the best possible start in life as they journey into young adulthood.

“I hope everyone enjoyed some family-friendly fun in the August sunshine. The Family Hubs Festival is a great addition to our family events across Barnsley and is a real showcase of what help and support is available for local families.

“Our team of professionals do an incredible job and I encourage everyone to visit the Virtual Family Hub online or a Family Hub building if you need support and advice from our family support services.”

The Family Hubs and Start for Life project is a £3.4 million investment over three years to make sure families flourish in the Barnsley area. From birth right the way through to young adulthood, we're here for you through Family Hubs, which are easily accessible throughout the borough. 

Barnsley families will also be able to access a wide range of services and activities online on the Virtual Family Hub and in other community locations through our Family Hubs in the Community pop-up services. This includes venues such as libraries, youth centres, schools, early years settings, health settings, community centres and faith buildings. 

For further information, you can visit the Virtual Family Hub or the Family Hubs Facebook page.