Campaign themes

Each year, we have a particular theme for Playday. These themes help give a focus to the campaign.

The 2024 theme is … Play – the culture of childhood
Supporting play, fun and friendships.

This year’s theme celebrates the rich and lively culture of children’s play. Every child plays – playfulness is a distinct feature of behaviour across generations and cultures. Playing generates a culture of childhood.

Playing is vital for children’s health, happiness, and creativity. Through play:

• children develop a sense of, and value for culture
• cultural exploration is encouraged, fostering an appreciation for diversity
• children work together, negotiate, and build relationships.
• children feel connected to each other and their neighbourhoods
• children create and pass on games, songs and stories.

Play is every child’s right – on Playday and every day.

For the latest updates on this year’s campaign follow us on Facebook and X (Twitter) and share your plans with us using the hashtags #Playday2024 and #PlayAndCulture.

Thank you for your continued support.

To see previous Playday themes, check out our previous campaigns page.

Campaign supporters
We’re grateful for the support we received from national organisations for the Playday campaign. Take a look at our supporters page to see who they are.

If your organisation would like to sign up as a Playday supporter please contact us.