Parents in Swindon facing the annual summer holiday struggle of keeping the children entertained without spending a fortune could be in luck.
The NEC in Birmingham has launched a prize draw offering families the chance to win free tickets to a selection of major events and exhibitions over the bank holiday weekend.
The offer comes after research commissioned by the NEC found that parents can reach their limit just 19 days into the six-week summer holiday, as the search for things to do with children begins to wear thin.
For families in Swindon, the free tickets could provide the chance of a day out without adding another sizeable bill to the household budget.
Among the attractions included in the offer is PEPPA PIG Space Adventure, an interactive walk-through experience which takes visitors from Peppa’s home to the moon.
There is also Tutankhamun: The Immersive Exhibition, which uses 360-degree projections, virtual reality and free-roaming technology to bring the world of Ancient Egypt to life.
For those looking for something rather more energetic, the Gladiator Experience offers visitors the opportunity to put their strength and skills to the test in an attraction based on the popular television programme.
And there is an option for families who don’t manage to get their hands on the free tickets.
NEC Lakeside has a free outdoor cinema and play area which is open every day throughout the summer. No tickets or advance booking are required.
The NEC’s research found that by the third week of the school holidays, parents are increasingly frustrated by the challenge of balancing work, childcare and the seemingly endless demand for entertainment.
It also found that the average parent spends more than five hours a week looking for ways to keep the family occupied.
Sarah Harvey, Deputy CEO at the NEC, said the offer was intended to help families enjoy some time together without worrying about the cost.
“Six weeks of summer can feel endless when you’re juggling work, childcare and rising costs, and our research shows just how quickly parents can run out of ideas,” she said.
“We wanted to give families in Swindon a chance to enjoy brilliant days out together without worrying about the spend, which is why we’re offering a limited number of free tickets.”
Parents wanting to enter the prize draw can request the number of free tickets they would like through the NEC’s online entry form.
With the school holidays beginning to run down, it could be a useful opportunity for Swindon families looking for one more day out before the return to the classroom.
