HUNDREDS of people took advantage of fine weather to turn out for the second Arts in the Park event in Corporation Park, Blackburn.

The festival, held for the first time last year, was organised as part of Blackburn with Darwen Council's "Festival 150" celebrations.

The weekend offered a free festival of events, entertainers and activities.

There were three music stages, more than 20 craft stalls, two days of art workshops, a fairground and a healing and therapeutic arts zone. Highlights for Saturday included a set by the Taiko drummers Mugenkyo and Abba tribute band Voulez Vous.

Sunday's more traditional fare included the Jam Factory, a Blackburn jazz combo and the King's Division Normandy Band, the regimental band of the Queen's Lancashire Regiment based in Preston.

Other events were a presentation of Indian cultural and folk dancing by members of Blackburn Hindu Centre and a performance by Blackburn Peoples' Choir.

The Eastern Sangeet Society, based at Bangor Street Community Centre, also gave a performance of traditional Indian music.

The weekend's events culminated in a spectacular concert by the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra accompanied by a firework display.