FARINGDON Road Park was transformed into a titanic hive of fun on Saturday as Swindon’s oldest summer event saw families from miles around turn out in numbers.

The annual children’s fete celebrated its 150th anniversary last year and this year’s event was just as spectacular.

Mayor Maureen Penny opened proceedings at 12.30pm and party goers were treated to a range of musical performances, traditional circus activities and plenty of decent grub.

Art McGovern, 60, thought it was a brilliant way to spend a sunny Saturday.

He said: “It’s fantastic to see the kids running around and enjoying themselves, especially on a day like today.

“I came with my grandkids but they went off to find some ice cream with their nanna and I haven’t seen them since – I expect they’ll be getting up to mischief.”

Favourite funfair rides such as carousels and go-karts were popular attractions, as were the candy floss stalls and myriad sweet treats.

There were various arts and craft stalls and live music to keep people entertained throughout the afternoon and into the evening.

Children were offered cake when they arrived in accordance with one of the event’s traditions.

Unfortunately, the park was placed on lockdown for a few moments when a child went missing. But the five-year-old was found safe and well after a quick search and the worried faces soon returned to beaming smiles.

Lying on the grass watching the bands take to the stage was teenage couple Rob Davies and Eve Richardson, who later this week are flying out to Benidorm for a summer getaway.

Eve, 19, from West Swindon, said: “We were doing some shopping and thought we would just come and see what’s going on.

"We both like watching live music so we’re going to hand around for a bit. It’s really good so far, though it’s mainly aimed at the kids.”