FUN in the sun was the order of the day when families turned out in force at Queens Park this weekend.

The annual event, now in its sixth year, featured live music and entertainment, stalls from local charities such as Samaritans and also sports, arts and crafts stands.

More than 500 people attended the Love Your Parks Fun Day, organised by Queens Park Community Council, which had an Olympic theme this year with a 100m running track marked out on the hill for budding Usain Bolts to have a go.

It comes just months after the community cafe was trashed by vandals but there was no sign of that trouble as Old Town neighbourhood police were on hand, showing off their van to youngsters who enjoyed blaring out the siren at regular intervals.

Coun Stan Pajak (Lib Dem, Eastcott) said he was pleased the sun had helped to draw the crowds after some stallholders pulled out due to the recent wet weather.

“It was amazing weather – I think in all the years we’ve run it, the sun has come out for us,” he said.

“Four people pulled out because of the bad weather but everyone has pulled together and put in a lot of hard work to make the best of it.

“This year we have the Olympic 100m track, which will stay there until it fades so people can come and try to beat the world record during the Games.

“I think in Swindon we are blessed with the number of parks we have and sometimes people do forget about them or take them for granted, but it’s days like these we should make the most of them.”

Mayor of Swindon, Councillor Mick Bray, said: “It’s fantastic – this is the first year I’ve been but the park is such a great place for things like this.”

Among the local performers to entertain the crowd was Elvis impersonator Bobby B, in his third year at the event.

He said: “I always look forward to playing here and it’s great to see people out because these guys behind the scenes work so hard.”