MORE than a thousand residents turned out to celebrate this year’s ‘Picnic in the Park’ in Ellesmere Port.

The Big Lunch event, which aims to bring the community together, was held in Whitby Park and officially opened by town mayor Gareth Anderson.

The crowds were then entertained by Ellesmere Port Silver Band, Ellesmere Port Sea Cadets, the Fireflies choir, Port Reach band, Westminster line dancers, SalsaDan, Singing Hands sign language choir and a good citizen dog display.

The event also featured the popular Ellesmere Port’s Got Talent which was won by Scarlett Lewis, 11, whose prize was a 10-week place with Cheeky Chops youth theatre.

The day also saw visitors enjoy free food tasters provided by the Agra Fort Restaurant and the Links Healthy Living Centre, craft activities and a family arts project.

In the youth area there were DJ sessions provided by DJ Dynamics and a BMX competition run by Big Bills Bikes based in Whitby Road, which attracted more than 200 spectators.

The under 14s category was won by Adam James while Josh Roberts secured first in the over 14s event.

Event organiser Gemma Dunn, from Ellesmere Port Association of Voluntary & Community Organisations, said: “It was a fantastic day with a vibrant atmosphere and it was absolutely brilliant to see so many organisations giving their time to make an event like this a success.

“The day ended in style with a jawdropping display from Ellesmere Port Club of Gymnastics Free Runners.”