MORE than 5,000 people flocked to Barony Park on Saturday for the second annual Nantwich Family Fun Day.

The free event, launched last year after 24-year gap without a carnival in the town, offered a wide range of entertainment from donkey rides and dog display teams, to a Battle of the Bands contest and a falconry display.

Organiser Keith Cafferty said: 'It turned out to be a brilliant day. The only downside was that the wind was above 15mph which meant that the RE/MAX hot air balloon couldn't take off.

'Despite that everyone had a great time and I think every generation was catered for. That's the point of the Family Fun Day, to entertain the entire family.'

A big success was the introduction of the Battle of the Bands stage, organised by Brine Leas deputy headteacher Andrew Cliffe, which attracted big crowds of both youngsters and older music lovers.

'We just felt that these kids needed the chance to perform in public in order to gain confidence and to entertain others their age,' said Mr Cafferty.

On the day more than 400 children took a donkey ride. A big hit were pupils from Brine Leas who performed a parody of the Red Arrows - called the Red Barrows - to the stirring sound of the Dambusters theme.

The newly-crowned Community Princesses Jemma Fotheringham, 10, and Genna Lange, 14, undertook their first engagement by leading the parade of marching bands, dancers and floats through the town in the morning.

Amongst the entertainment there were a few unusual events such as the 50 metre council bin push which competitors undertook wearing flip-pers!

All the money taken goes directly towards covering the running costs of the event.

Added Mr Cafferty: 'The acts were amazing. The falconry display by Cheshire Wild Life was breathtaking and the various dancing groups were brilliant.

The winning program number was 203 and the purchaser is asked to contact Mr Cafferty on 01270 842560 to receive the prize of a voucher for a free meal for two at the Peacock Hotel.