THE rain kept away but the crowds flocked to Hillworth Park, Devizes on Sunday for a mellow afternoon of music and fun.

People of all ages enjoyed Picnic In The Park as the town's carnival fortnight got off to a fantastic start.

Two years ago the picnic had to move indoors because of heavy rain and in 2017 only the bravest souls stayed until late afternoon as the heavens opened.

But despite a forecast that did not look encouraging the sun shone, blankets adorned the grass and a vast array of picnic food was spread out.

Among those enjoying the live music, arts and crafts tent and stalls were a large number of family groups.

Among them were the Drewett family from Devizes with their three children aged from eight months to eight years and a large family group of Nickless and Gilmours from Calne and Melksham.

Old school friends Dan Sloan, Jamie Lawrence and Josh Robinson, who are now all dads with young babies, found the picnic an ideal opportunity to trade advice on child care.

Mr Sloan, 29, and his partner Lucy Steele were delighted to show off baby Nellie who was born two months early at the end of May weighing less than 3lb but is now a healthy 7lb.

Loz Samuels artistic director of Devizes Outdoor Celebratory Arts was delighted with the numbers who turned out to enjoy the fun which included the chance to create bees and butterflies to carry in the carnival procession on September 1.

She also handed out kazoos so the crowd could join in with the music.

She said: "We have been very lucky with the weather. I would like to thank all of our volunteers who helped make it a fantastic event."

Her committee is keeping fingers crossed that people will also turn out for a number of ticketed events that are being held during the fortnight for the first time. My! Laika - Popcorn Machine will be held on The Green from Friday until Monday at 7.30pm and Pickled Image - Coulrophobia will be held at The Wharf Theatre on August 28 at 7.30pm.