Girlguiding Anglia brings region-wide takeover to Wicksteed Park
Girlguiding Anglia is preparing to bring thousands of its young members and volunteers together at Wicksteed Park on Saturday 25 April 2026, as the organisation delivers one of its largest region-wide member events of the year. The Wonders of Wicksteed Park takeover will give members exclusive access to one of the UK’s oldest family adventure parks, known for its 30+ rides, heritage railway and extensive outdoor space.
The event will temporarily transform Wicksteed Park into a Girlguiding exclusive environment, with a programme designed specifically for Rainbows, Brownies, Guides, Rangers and volunteers. Members will have access to unlimited rides and attractions, theatre shows running throughout the day, scenic railway journeys, an animal petting experience, indoor soft play for under 8s, and designated Girlguiding activity zones that provide structured spaces for units to gather and take park in additional challenges.
Beyond offering a large-scale day out, the takeover highlights how Girlguiding Anglia continues to invest in regional experiences to bring together the whole region. By using an established venue with substantial capacity and fun activities, the organisation is able to create a high-impact event at a lower cost per members.
The event also includes practical accessibility measures such as attendance options for parent helpers and dependent children, as well as eligibility for a travel bursary once tickets are purchased. These steps are designed to make participation more equitable across the region’s counties, where travel distances and unit size can vary significantly.
Every member attending the takeover will receive a commemorative event badge to take as a token of participation and memory.
The Wonders of Wicksteed Park takeover is one of a series of large format events that form part of Girlguiding Anglia’s wider commitment to offering accessible, organised, and varied experiences to its members. By delivering events at this scale, the region aims to broaden what young people can experience through guiding, build confidence in larger groups setting, and strengthen engagement across counties.
A Girlguiding Anglia volunteer said:
“From a volunteer’s perspective, these exclusive events make a huge difference. When it’s just Girlguiding members on site, the girls have the freedom to explore safely, make their own choices, and enjoy activities without the usual crowds. It also creates a calm environment for us leaders too, as safeguarding is easier, groups can move around more confidently, and the girls get to see guiding on a bigger scale.”
Deputy chief commissioner of Girlguiding Anglia, Claire Course said:
“The region takeover days have become regular events in the diary. We have listened to our leaders who enjoy the fact that all the girls are safe and can have fun with other guiding members from all across the region without the added pressure of the general public. The region events team do all the hard work, and the girls and leaders come along and have fun and adventures. What’s not to love? This is Girlguiding at its best!”
Want to be part of the fun? Find out more about Girlguiding Anglia and how you can get involved at www.girlguiding-anglia.org.uk.