The national event, organised by ukactive, will take place on Wednesday 24th September, with the theme ‘Powered by you!’ The aim of the day is to empower individuals to make positive lifestyle changes for improved physical, mental and social health.
To make sure residents get the chance to power up, and to encourage movement, Durham County Council is offering a whole month of free activities at its thrive leisure centres, and other community settings, which promise something for everyone.
Throughout September, people will be able to get a free seven-day pass that can be used in gyms, swimming pools and exercise classes across the county. Free virtual classes will be available at four centres throughout the period.
The passes are also valid for the council’s introductory level activities, including Move Hubs and Move classes, if residents want to make a start in becoming more active.
Meanwhile, for people looking for more fun ways to get moving, the local authority is offering the chance to bowl for free at Peterlee Leisure Centre’s Strike ten-pin bowling. Free indoor court hire will also be available for sport activities every weekend throughout the month across the county.
Elsewhere, there will be free soft play all week from Monday 22nd September to Sunday 28th September. Free sessions will also be held at Abbey Adventure at Abbey Leisure Centre in Durham on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th September. Plus, TAG Active Arena and Climb activities at the Louisa Centre in Stanley, will also be available over the same days.
Nine pools will be open across the county for those who want to swim for free on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th September. These sessions will be perfect for people looking to start swimming again, or just simply splash about with the family.
Many activities must be booked online. Details of the free sessions are available at: www.thriveleisure.co.uk
This comes after the local authority was recognised as a finalist in four categories at the prestigious UK Active Awards 2025, which honour outstanding contributions to the country’s physical activity sector.
The awards this year attracted a record number of entries, making the authority’s achievement especially noteworthy.
The council facilities shortlisted in the finals:
- Regional Public Club or Centre of the Year North of England: The Louisa Centre, Stanley.
- Build, Design or Refurbishment of the Year: Spennymoor Leisure Centre and Peterlee Leisure Centre.
- Digital Transformation Award: The council’s Customer Relationship Management project.
- Outstanding Leadership Team Award: The Wellbeing Sport and Leisure Management Team.
The winners will be revealed at the UK Active Awards ceremony on Thursday 30th October, at the ICC in Birmingham.
