Burnley Play Association

BURNLEY PLAY ASSOCIATION & VANGUARD COMMUNITY CENTRE

Burnley Play Association was established in 1983 and has been located at The Vanguard Community Centre since 1991.

The Play Association takes its roots from a youth provision originally located at Trafalgar Flats in the 80s, and continued to provide services for children across the town under the leadership of Audrey Thornton, who still remains involved and supports our services even today.

Provision for Adult groups was part of the premise of having a purpose built community centre in its current location.  Since the centre opened in 1991, community groups, a location for events and the provision of a local meeting place have been the key aims of the centre.

Dual use of the centre provides the area with a quality provision for the people of Burnley, offering wide ranging activities throughout the year.  A welcoming environment to meet friends, join in groups and activities throughout the week, hold a party for children and grandchildren as well as continuing to provide the base for Burnley Play Association.

We offer a wide range of activities for children of all ages, from under 5s, Play and Stay to Junior youth groups, Holiday Play Camps, and as  a location for Young Carers groups, and for activities targeting the needs of children with disabilities.

The Centre provides a large hall / function room, with kitchen facilities, an arts and craft centre / teaching room, a lounge with book exchange and a children’s library; and our fantastic sensory room, with a Forest camp theme, sensory lighting, music and resources.

If you have never visited our centre, or would be interested in joining activities here, check out our monthly newsletter of ‘What’s On’. 

You are welcome to visit.

Our motto:  If the door’s open, the kettles on.