There was a record crowd at this year’s Blacon Festival.

More than 5,000 people soaked up the sunshine and enjoyed a range of fun-filled activities.

The 22nd Blacon Festival, which this year returned to its original venue at Queen Elizabeth Fields, began with a parade through the streets of Blacon which was led by members of Blacon Spiders FC and children from all five of Blacon’s primary schools.

The parade went past the soon-to-be-opened Enterprise Centre and made its way to the festival field, with the children playing the theme tune to Match of the Day to mark 50 years of Blacon Youth Football Club.

Visitors enjoyed attractions including re-enactments of Viking battles, football skills demonstrations from Chester FC, the opportunity to learn circus skills and to take part in group Zumba classes.

There were also community stalls, pony trap rides and a bouncy castle.

Paul Knight, head of Avenue Services, said: “The Blacon Festival had a record attendance and was a great day out with a range of activities on offer for all ages. Thank you to all the volunteers who helped to plan and organise the day.

“The Queen Elizabeth Fields venue worked well with lots of positive comments.”

Head of Avenue Services Paul Knight with Cllr Reggie Jones at the festival

Blacon Cllr Reggie Jones added: “This year’s festival has been an outstanding success and represents all that is good about Blacon.

“It continues to be an opportunity for families, volunteers, community groups and agencies to get together in the sunshine and have fun. Congratulations to the organising committee for making the event so special.”

Supported by Sanctuary Housing and organised by Avenue Services, the festival also included a performance celebrating the life and changing times of Blacon, arranged by Theatre in the Quarter artistic director Matt Baker.