Friends of St James Park Family Fun Day Fundraiser 2026

Southampton families, neighbors, and community supporters, get ready for a vibrant day of outdoor entertainment! On Sunday 12 July 2026, local park lovers will gather in the heart of Shirley for the annual Friends of St James Park Family Fun Day Fundraiser 2026. Kicking off from 10:00 to 16:00 (10:00 AM – 4:00 PM BST), this open-air summer celebration transforms the neighborhood’s favorite green space into a bustling hub of games, live activities, independent stalls, and great local street food. It is the ultimate weekend opportunity to enjoy a picnic, hunt for hidden treasures, and support a vital local neighborhood charity.

Friends of St James Park Family Fun Day Fundraiser 2026 Event Timings

• 08:30 (8:30 AM BST): Car Boot Sale & Stallholder Setup — Registered vendors, boot-flea traders, and independent craft stalls are permitted onto the designated lawn areas to arrange their displays.
• 10:00 (10:00 AM BST): Public Gates Open & DJ Warm-Up — The fundraising event officially kicks off. The on-site DJ begins broadcasting a family-friendly summer soundtrack across the fields as the trade stalls and food vans open for business.
• 11:00 (11:00 AM BST): Fairground & Inflatable Zones Open — The children’s bounce-and-play areas, traditional fairground rides, and face-painting stations open their queues for the afternoon.
• 13:00 (1:00 PM BST): Peak Afternoon Activities & Games — The main central lawn hosts interactive community games, family challenges, and charity raffles, drawing neighbors together for high-energy fun.
• 15:30 (3:30 PM BST): Raffle Draw & Final Call — The main charity fundraising prize draw winners are announced from the DJ booth, and food vendors start serving their final refreshments.
• 16:00 (4:00 PM BST): Event Concludes & Pack Down — The family gala comes to an end. Safe breakdown begins across all stalls and fairground setups to allow the municipal parkland to return to normal evening use.

Ticket Information & Entry Costs

This annual summer gathering is designed to be highly accessible for the local Shirley community:

• Public Admission Cost: Entry to the park grounds is completely FREE for all visitors. You do not require a pre-booked ticket or a wristband to come along and enjoy the live atmosphere, music, and lawn space.
• Activity & Stall Pricing: While entry is open, individual pricing applies for fairground rides, the inflatable bouncy zones, face painting, and food purchases. Small change/cash is highly recommended for independent stall games, charity donation buckets, and select car boot vendors.

Strict Safety and Event Rules

• Family-Friendly Environment: This is an inclusive neighborhood celebration open to all age demographics. To ensure a safe, welcoming environment for toddlers and children, standard park bylaws are actively maintained.
• Dog Policy: Well-behaved dogs on short leads are welcome to join you across the open walkways, but owners must remain vigilant, clean up immediately after their pets, and keep them clear of the active children’s bounce-and-play zones.

How to Get to St James Park Southampton

The beautiful municipal park sits nestled beautifully in the residential heart of the popular Shirley district:

• The Event Address: St James Park, St James Road, Shirley, Southampton, SO15 5SD.
• By Bus: Exceptionally easy to reach via public transit links. Major local bus routes, including the Bluestar 4 and First City Red services, drop off directly along Shirley High Street, leaving you a short 5-minute flat walk up Wordsworth Road or Church Street to the park boundaries.
• By Train: The venue is situated roughly a 20-minute walk (or a quick 5-minute taxi link) from the northern platforms of Southampton Central Railway Station.

Where to Park Near St James Road

Because St James Park sits in a dense residential neighborhood, there is **no dedicated visitor parking lot** on-site. Visitors are strongly encouraged to walk or use public transport, but if you must drive, consider these nearby options:

• Shirley High Street Precinct Lots: Secure public council parking lots (such as the Marlborough Road or Howards Grove surface lots) sit a flat 6-to-8 minute walk away from the park gates and offer very affordable weekend short-stay rates.
• Residential On-Street Parking: Limited, unmetered street parking lines the residential avenues surrounding the park (such as St James Road and Wordsworth Road). Important: Please park considerately to protect access for local residents and emergency vehicles, and double-check neighborhood signage for weekend event restrictions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What date and time is the Friends of St James Park Family Fun Day Fundraiser 2026?

The gala takes place on Sunday 12 July 2026. The public attractions, stalls, and music run from 10:00 to 16:00 (10:00 AM – 4:00 PM BST).

How much does it cost to get into the fun day?

Admission to the park grounds is completely free! You can walk in, enjoy the DJ music, and explore the stalls without a ticket. Individual charges apply for fairground rides, bouncy castles, face painting, and food purchases.

Where does the money raised from the event go?

Every penny raised from ride fees, stall bookings, and charity donations goes directly back into the Friends of St James Park registered charity. This funding helps maintain the playground, run community groups, and keep the green space thriving.

Can I bring my dog along to the event?

Yes, well-behaved dogs are welcome in the park, but they must be kept on a short lead at all times. For safety reasons, please keep pets well away from the active children’s inflatable bounce-and-play zones.

Is there a parking lot on site at St James Park?

There is no dedicated visitor car park at the park itself. Limited residential on-street parking is available nearby, but it fills up fast. Visitors are encouraged to walk, cycle, or park in the public council car parks off nearby Shirley High Street (a 6-to-8 minute walk away).