Summer Holiday Bwyd a Hwyl Food and Fun Reaches One Million Milestone

This summer, schemes once again operated in all 22 local authorities, with 384 schools participating and more than 16,000 places available each day. Supported by £5.85 million of Welsh Government funding, the programme promotes healthy living, enhances learner wellbeing, strengthens engagement between families, schools and communities, and helps ensure children and young people can access positive experiences throughout the summer holidays. Activities and provision are delivered through both English and Welsh.

The continued success of the programme is driven by the commitment of local authority teams, school staff and partner organisations who work together each summer to deliver high-quality experiences for children and young people across Wales.

To celebrate the achievement of reaching one million places, the Minister for Education and the Welsh Language, Anna Brychan visited Blenheim Road Primary School.

This year’s theme, Legends (Chwedlau), invited learners to embark on a quest for a shield, inspiring a summer of creativity, discovery and adventure. Learners took part in a wide range of enriching activities reflecting local and national legends, both real and mythical, past and present.

Cabinet Minister for Education and the Welsh Language, Anna Brychan, said: “One million places to support learners has only been reached thanks to the hard work of the education and local authority workforce, who create an interesting programme for learners.

“Bwyd a Hwyl Food and Fun provides many benefits, including helping to build confidence, supports wellbeing and gives learners the chance to try new things and spend time with friends during the summer holidays in the familiar environment of their school.

“During my visit to Blenheim Road Primary School, it was clear to see how the programme benefits learners and how much they were enjoying themselves.

“The focus on food literacy was particularly welcome, as was the wealth of volunteering opportunities the programme offers local young people, to work alongside and learn from experienced youth and play leads.”

Councillor Lis Burnett, WLGA Spokesperson for Education said:

“We’re delighted to welcome the Cabinet Minister to Blenheim Road to see the difference Bwyd a Hwyl Food and Fun makes to children and families. Healthy meals, fun activities, and opportunities to learn and socialise help children thrive during the school holidays, while easing pressure on family budgets and supports children in readiness for return to school in September.

“Providing more than one million funded places over the past 11 years is a remarkable milestone. It reflects the dedication of councils, schools, and their partners across Wales, and we are proud to work with the Welsh Government to give even more children these valuable opportunities.”