National Family Week 2009
National Family Week 2009 was the UK's first event of its kind. Between 25-31 May, families all over the UK enjoyed over 4,000 record-setting, action-packed, fun-filled family events from story telling to sports days. There were loads of special offers to help make spending fun family time together easy and affordable plus some great competitions and giveaways.
Click here to see a selection of photos from National Family Week 2009.
Thousands of families spread out their picnic rugs in hundreds of locations across the country on the first day of National Family Week and set a new Guinness World Record for the world's largest picnic in multiple locations. Those picnicking in Regent's Park were joined by a whole host of celebrities.
Saturday 30th May saw loads of fun events promoting family fitness. Local sporting clubs, associations and teams across the nation hosted more than 800 Sports Days and families challenged friends and neighbours in Sports Days of their own.
Story Time sessions up and down the country encouraged families to share a story, any time, any place, any how! From signed stories and plays to book readings and sing-alongs, families shared stories in libraries, museums, shopping centres, parks and theatres.
Watching films with the family was just the ticket on Family Week Film Friday when laughter, terror and tears were shared across the nation in a popcorn-fuelled film-fest and Ice Age was voted the UK's Favourite Family Film.
competitions
In 2009 we ran a whole host of prize draws and give-aways and searched to find the UK's Family of the Year, the best Big Family Idea and the nation's Favourite Family Recipe. Over 80 lucky winners were awarded prizes ranging from £150,000, a car, a cruise and a year's worth of groceries to cinema tickets and free meals.
Food is at the heart of every family. On Sunday 31st May families across the country were encouraged to share a meal together.
day
National Family Week encouraged families to organise a family reunion during The Week and to share food, fun, games and, most importantly, each others' company. The Smith Family from Southport were the lucky reunion organisers to win a family cruise worth £2700 aboard the MSC Lirica.
2009 media coverage
The first ever National Family Week received over £5million of press coverage including television and national and local press. Here's a selection of the media highlights.
Our supporters
"I really hope that National Family Week encourages people to take a moment to realize the importance of the people they have around them."
Amanda Holden, Britain's Got Talent Judge
"Encouraging families to get active is a subject very close to my heart, so I am thrilled and delighted to be able to show my support for National Family Week."
Sally Gunnell OBE, Olympic Gold Medalist
"I am delighted to welcome National Family Week. It's full of practical ideas, and it will be great to see organisations from all sections of society join together to celebrate family life."
David Cameron, Prime Minister
"I am pleased to endorse National Family Week and its aim of promoting and celebrating family life in Britain."
Gordon Brown, Former Prime Minister
"I think National Family Week is a great initiative that will encourage families to come together and realise how important every part of the family is."
Sir Terry Wogan, Radio and Television Broadcaster
"National Family Week is the perfect chance for families to make time for each other and have fun while they are doing it."
Esther Rantzen, CBE, Broadcaster, Campaigner and Chair of The Family Commission
"I look forward to taking part in National Family Week and encouraging others to do the same."
Antony Worrall Thompson, Celebrity Chef
