The countdown to Parklife – South Cambridgeshire’s biggest annual free family fun day – has begun, with water sports advance booking open on Monday (20 June).

Anyone keen to try out a canoeing, kayaking, or paddle boarding taster session at Milton Country Park on Sunday 17 July can book a slot from 9am on Monday 20 June.

Parklife is organised by South Cambridgeshire District Council in partnership with Cambridge Sport Lakes Trust. Fun and free activities for all ages and abilities start at 10am, with activities running through until 6pm.

Following feedback from previous years, half of the available water sports slots will be available to book in advance, with the other half available to book on the day. Advance bookings are restricted to one taster session for each named person, with an administration charge to guarantee each spot.

To pre-book water sports sessions email parklife@scambs.gov.uk or call the Parklife team on 01954 713362. Advance bookings close on Friday 8 July or until all available sessions are booked. People taking part in kayaking must be at least 7 years old and for paddleboarding, be at least 1.3 metres tall.

Water sports booking made on the day at Parklife are free of charge. The booking desk will be close to the main visitor entrance at Milton County Park and open at 10am. All bookings will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Other activities at the event, which range from climbing and archery in the Extreme Zone, nest box making and den building in the Wild South Cambs Zone to mountain biking in the Cycle Zone, will be free of charge – simply turn up and have a go.

The Entertainment Zone will feature local music, dance demonstrations and, in this Olympic year, inspiration from Brazil with Cambridge Capoieira bringing their vibrant mix of music, dance and martial arts to the Parklife party.

New to Parklife, the Wild South Cambs young photographer competition of the year is open to 11 to 18 year olds. The winner will be presented with a £200 voucher for their school or college. Competition entries must arrive by 15 July and will be judged at Parklife. Full details are available at www.scambs.gov.uk/parklife

Parklife guests HoverAid will also be offering rides around one of Milton Country Park’s lakes on their hovercraft for a small donation towards their charity work in Madagascar.

For a full list of activities and more information about Parklife, visit www.scambs.gov.uk/parklife