Families braved a wet afternoon to celebrate this year’s Party in the Park in Haslingden.

More than 150 families visited Greenfield Gardens to make use of the free entertainment, activities, magician, food, face painting, balloon modelling, stalls and ice cream.

Organised by the new group Friends of Haslingden the event displayed a wide range of talent including the majorettes and a ukulele band.

Volunteers from Haslingden and Helmshore Civic Pride on their stall.Volunteers from Haslingden and Helmshore Civic Pride on their stall. (Image: Catherine Smyth Media) Secretary Ann Cooney said: “It was quite damp, and the rain came down, but it did nothing to dampen the community spirit of people in Haslingden.

“We hope to repeat this event. So many people have said to us that they had a great time.

"Thank you to everyone who made this possible, organisers and stallholders and to all of the people who came along and supported us.

 “I would like to thank all the organisers and volunteers who helped on the day and all the businesses and individuals who donated chocolates, vouchers and hampers for our raffle.”

The Ukes of Hazzy played a set at the show and appropriately opened with “Runaway”, which opens with “I’m walking in the rain”.

Emily Edwards, whose husband Paul is a member of the ukulele band attended with their daughters Grace, six, and Alice, nine.

She said: “I know how important it is that events are supported, as a member of a school PTA and, when it was raining, I knew we had to come along.”

It was during the majorette's performance that the heavens opened but it didn’t discourage the team who performed a wide range of songs with the help of their flags and maces.

Rossendale Drum Majorettes perform in the rainRossendale Drum Majorettes perform in the rain (Image: Catherine Smyth Media)

Gemma Halstead, who attended the event with her son Ruben, said: “His mum Gemma said: “I think it is nice that they have put this on as there are not many events really in Haslingden, not since the street fair stopped.”

Sam Courtney and her son Edward moved from Manchester a year ago and were delighted to find the event.

She added: “This is fantastic, Edward liked the toasted marshmallows and the football, and he has found a club he is excited about joining.”

The Friends of Haslingden group was awarded a micro-grant from the Haslingden Big Lamp Project, a heritage regeneration scheme funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.