An estimated 2,500 people attended Sunday's Picnic in the Park event in Coalville Park on Sunday.

The North West Leicestershire District Council-organised event included a wide variety of family entertainment.

It was returning for the first time as an event for the first time since the Covid pandemic - although the park has hosted Jubilee and Coronation celebrations over the past 12 months.

There was plenty on offer for the whole family at the event

Bands played on a stage set up in the park and the event was only affected by bad weather towards the end of the five and a half hour event.

Ironically, the main stage programme was cut short by 30 minutes due to the thunderstorm which arrived when tribute band Hey Beatles started to sing 'Here Comes the Sun'.

The council says that over 400 children took part in the free crafts activity - and 46 people had their caricature portrait done.

Cllr Tony Gillard, Portfolio Holder for Regeneration at NWLDC, said: "Picnic in the Park on Sunday was very well attended and there was a lovely atmosphere in the park, we estimate around 2,500 joined us.

"We know that free events like this mean a lot to residents and our communities, particularly during the current economic crisis.

"A big thank you to all the staff, volunteers, and businesses who made this event possible and to residents for supporting us."

Hey Beatles performed on stage before the heavens opened. Photo: Hey Beatles website

Hey Beatles described their day like this on their Facebook page: You couldn't make it up.. a fantastic afternoon in Coalville with This Is NWLeics at the picnic in the park event; just after George sang 'Here Comes the Sun', the heavens opened..!

"Apart from the slightly earlier than planned finish, fab to see so many Beatlepeople enjoying themselves."

This was the scene from the stage as Hey Beatles were forced into an early finish due to the weather. Photo: Hey Beatles website.

Coalville MP Andrew Bridgen, now a member of the Reclaim Party, also attended the event and posted on social media.

He said: "The interaction with the public was amazing , the Government and opposition should be very worried as Coalville is waking up to what is going on now and no one will put them to sleep again."