National Playday celebrations kick-off in Edinburgh

The enclosed street will be transformed from 12.30pm, with lots of family-friendly activities on offer including a giant sand pit, water play, magic potions and parachute games.

The event hopes to build on the success of last year where over 2,000 people came along to the Grassmarket to join in with Playday activities.

Playday is the national day for play, traditionally celebrated on the first Wednesday in August. On Playday thousands of children and their families get out to play at hundreds of community events across the UK.

As well as a celebration of children's right to play, Playday is a campaign that highlights the importance of play in children's lives.

Councillor Paul Godzik, Children & Families Leader, said: "Play is such an important part of any child's development so our now very successful Playday in the Grassmarket provides a fantastic opportunity to celebrate it and promote its many benefits.

"As a Council we're very conscious of the importance of outdoor play for children. Not only are there significant health benefits from being out in the open air, but also exposure to a range of stimulus can help aid child development.

"Here in Edinburgh we're very lucky to have some fantastic outdoor spaces and I would encourage all parents to get outdoors with their children during these summer months."

Edinburgh's Playday event will be held in the Grassmarket from 12.30pm - 4.30pm on Wednesday 1 August 2012.

On offer will be a giant sand pit, water play, magic potions, cardboard city, play pod, wheeled play, parachute games, play for babies, giant games and more.