A FIRST-ever family fun day is being hosted by Exmoor Young Voices (EYV) next week to bring together children, young people, and families from across the moor.

It will be held from 12 noon to 4 pm on Exford Cricket Ground on Saturday, September 5, offering an afternoon of activities, fun, and community connection.

The family fun day is free to attend and EYV will be running a donations-only barbecue and refreshments.

There will also be a bouncy castle, face panting, children’s games and races, crafts, a raffle, and activities from a host of local clubs and organisations, including Minehead EYE, In the Mix Project, Home-Start West Somerset, Exmoor Community Youth Club, Exmoor Pioneers Project, Dulverton Netball Club, Wild Wellies, Exmoor Youth Board, Thrive, and Minehead Rotary Club.

However, the event is about more than just a fun day.

A spokesperson said: “Many families living in rural communities can experience isolation and have limited access to support, activities, and opportunities without travelling significant distances.

“We are bringing local organisations together so families can discover what is available to them, make connections. and find out more about opportunities they may not otherwise come across.

“For Exmoor Young Voices, the event is also kick-starting our wider initiative to find new ways to engage with and support children, young people, and families across the moor.

“We are hoping the connections and collaborations at the event will lead to more opportunities and stronger support in the future.

“We are being supported by Exford Parish Council, with funding from the Somerset Association of Local Councils community health and wellbeing programme.”

EYV, which has received the King’s Award for Voluntary Service, aims to inspire positive action which prioritises young people’s needs.

Its goal is to help ensure they can continue living and working on Exmoor, rather than feeling they need to leave the area.