3 weeks Ago
The manager of a soft play centre where families of all different backgrounds can mix said it's "amazing" to be nominated for an award. Fun Valley on Blackburn Road has been shortlisted for The Bolton News ' Best Indoor Family Entertainment Venue 2025. The manager, 28, said that the business is family-run – even having other locations across the country run by relatives.
The first location was in Leicester and the Bolton soft play centre opened seven years ago. Fun Valley has been shortlisted for The Bolton News' Best Indoor Family Entertainment Venue 2025 Fun Valley also has locations in Derby and Nottingham. She said: “It was a bit of a risk because we didn’t know at the time if it would work or not – but it has – and everyone loves the food! “I was shocked when I got told we were nominated, it’s just amazing.
Fun Valley on Blackburn Road (Image: Fun Valley) “We work so hard to create a space that’s fun, safe and welcoming for families, and we notice people coming back “Our cleanliness is something we are really proud of, we make sure everything is spotless.” Families were pleased to have a place to go in the area, with Fun Valley's cafe serving halal food for the area's diverse community. She said: “In this area – Blackburn Road – there was nothing really around this area, especially for kids play centres.
“There was no halal food and a place for families to go together. “Growing up, I didn’t really go to play centres.” Fun Valley on Blackburn Road (Image: Fun Valley) Now the play centre acts as hub where people from different backgrounds can come and mix with different families.
She said: “The spot we’re in – it’s quite a mixed community – everyone is from different backgrounds and everyone comes here and mixes together.” Fun Valley has given back to the local community by donating money to Bolton Hospice . Fun Valley on Blackburn Road (Image: Fun Valley) Have a story? Get in touch at eoin.
[email protected] Local schools also come to the play centre as an end of year trip or a reward for good attendance.
The manager said: “Over the years, a lot of schools, mosques and nurseries have all come here, for example, as a reward for 100 per cent attendance. “It’s amazing, it feels really good – in a way we’re helping them – and obviously they’re helping us as well. Fun Valley on Blackburn Road (Image: Fun Valley) READ MORE: Amazonia vying for Best Indoor Family Entertainment 2025 READ MORE: The Light in Bolton up for Best Family Entertainment Award READ MORE: Bolton Aquarium is nominated for Best Indoor Family Entertainment 2025 “It would feel amazing to win – it would be crazy – because obviously we work so hard and the staff are incredible.
“Even in the kitchen, they cook every meal to perfection. “Everyone works so hard, so that would be amazing, it would be great motivation as well because it can get really busy.” To vote pick up a copy of today's paper.
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