Portsmouth families are invited to two free festive events offering meals, activities, and kid-friendly workshops during school holidays, courtesy of the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF Fun Pompey) program. This initiative supports Portsmouth pupils who receive benefits-related free school meals, providing complimentary sessions and meals across Easter, summer, and Christmas breaks.
At the John Pounds Centre, 23 Queen Street, Portsmouth, two distinct days will welcome HAF-eligible families. The first event, Creative Bites! Food, Family Fun & Activities (12:00–16:00), guides families through a structured program of team games, interactive cooking sessions (participants take their meals home), and craft workshops. A hot lunch from BRAT BROS is included, with options that cater to different diets, including vegetarian, vegan, and halal choices.
The second event, HAF a Day of Festive Family Fun! (13:00–16:00), adopts a more relaxed, open format. Activities include Lego building, dodgeball, Nerf blasters, mini-Olympics, and festive crafts. Families can also enjoy unlimited access to Portsea Adventure Playground and a substantial jacket potato lunch topped with a variety of toppings provided by Portsmouth’s Jacket Potato Ladies.
Both days will feature stalls from local groups offering guidance and support. Each attending family will be entered into a prize draw to win a Ninja Air Fryer or one of two Nutribullet blenders, and Waitrose Southsea will provide free festive hampers for families.
Cllr Nicholas Dorrington, Cabinet Member for Children, Families & Education, commented: “We understand that the holiday period can be tough for some families. These events aim to do more than entertain—they provide a shared meal, teach useful skills, and connect families with local support networks. Portsmouth City Council is devoted to helping every child flourish, and programs like HAF Fun Pompey play a crucial role in that effort.”
Attendance is free, but advance bookings are required. To participate, at least one child in the family must be HAF-eligible. Reserve a spot at eequ.org/haffunpompey.
If you’re unsure about eligibility, you can check by visiting portsmouth.gov.uk and searching for “free school meals” to apply.
