T-remendous times at Telford's party in the park
[gallery] More than 8,000 visitors attended the first of two weekend events taking place in Telford, with organisers today hailing a "glorious success" that could become an annual event.
Telford Town Park was the setting for T-Party, a weekend of family fun that drew more than 5,000 visitors on Saturday and more than 3,000 the following day.
Activities began on Friday night with a performance of Shakespeare's The Comedy of Errors by the Rain or Shine Theatre Company in a marquee erected in the QE11 Telford Town Park Arena.
The following day the park played host to crafts, food and cookery demonstrations, fete stalls, and street theatre.
Children could listen to storytelling, try clay modelling, have tea with the Mad Hatter or watch live shows with Shaun the Sheep.
Yesterday there was a picnic, food stalls and a cake competition judged by celebrity Nadia Sawalha.
A number of families were enjoying the sunshine in the park on Saturday, including the Foster, Dow and Allen families.
Natalie Foster, mum of Miyah, four, said: "It has been a lovely day out for the children, something different to entertain them and the picnic is good fun."
Clare Dow, mum of Ryley, nine and Keely, six, said: "It has been a really lovely day out."
Kelly and Steven Allen came along with their children Larisa, five, and James, two.
Mrs Allen said: "It has been a lovely way to spend the weekend with family and friends."
Event organiser Psyche Hudson said the T-Party was a "splendid success" and hoped it would become an annual event for Telford.
Ms Hudson, arts and culture services manager for Telford & Wrekin Council, said: "We have had a splendid sunny weekend and thousands of families have enjoyed the activities and events provided in the park.
"It has been a really busy weekend and the organisers are very proud it has been so well received.
"We are excited about the future of T-Party. We want the event to grow bigger and bolder and hopefully extend over more days. We hope to continue to bring a family friendly festival feel to Telford each summer."
Councillor Kevin Guy, who also attended, said: "I know how expensive it is to entertain children during the summer holidays and the activities were great and the park itself is a brilliant free attraction."
Saturday was rounded off with the The Electro-Swing Ball, which saw the marquee host music from the 1920s to the 1950s.
Those who attended in period costumes were transported back to an era of glamour compered by jazz cabaret starlet Liberty Pink and featuring burlesque and belly dancers and two bands, The Hot Potato Syncopators and Lunatrix.
Ms Hudson said: "Everyone made such an effort, the vintage costumes and outfits were just beautiful and it was a fabulous evening."
The festival concludes on Sunday with the T-Live concert, featuring local bands and chart-toppers McFly. For ticket details see http://www.tparty.co.uk
