Families in and around Armagh are being invited to an action-packed afternoon at Gosford Forest Park, where emergency responders will bring their vehicles, equipment and skills to a free public event.
Emergency Responders Day will take place on Saturday 19 September from 12pm to 4pm. The event is designed to give visitors the opportunity to meet the people who help keep local communities safe, while enjoying demonstrations and activities for children and adults.
What visitors can expect
Police vehicles, fire engines and rescue demonstrations will feature throughout the afternoon. Organisers say visitors will be able to get close to the vehicles and equipment used by emergency responders in their everyday work.
Live rescue and investigative demonstrations will showcase the skills, teamwork and dedication involved in emergency response. An emergency response helicopter may also appear, although the council said this will depend on operational need and availability.
Children and families will have the chance to climb aboard a fire engine, sit inside an ambulance and explore a police vehicle. The programme will also include arts and crafts, messy play, face painting and a petting farm.
Young visitors can also look forward to meeting Marshall and Chase from Paw Patrol, adding a familiar attraction to an afternoon focused on public safety and the work of local emergency personnel.
Free admission and charity support
Admission to Emergency Responders Day is free. Visitors will have the option of making a donation per vehicle to the Lord Mayor’s Charities: PIPS Hope and Support and Parkinson’s UK Armagh Support Group.
The event is being supported through The Executive Office District Council Good Relations Programme and the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Policing and Community Safety Partnership.
The Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Mary O’Dowd, said the event would offer families a chance to meet emergency responders and learn more about their roles.
“Emergency Responders Day is going to be a fantastic event and we’re delighted to be bringing it to Gosford Forest Park for an exciting afternoon of family fun.”
“It’s a wonderful opportunity to meet the emergency responders personnel who work tirelessly to keep our communities safe and to learn more about the important roles they carry out every day. We look forward to welcoming families from across the borough to this fun, educational and memorable day out.”
With vehicle access, demonstrations, hands-on activities and family entertainment planned between midday and 4pm, the council is encouraging families from across the borough to attend what it describes as a fun, educational and memorable day out.