Families spent a relaxing afternoon in Hillworth Park for the start of Devizes Carnival fortnight.

Picnic in the Park on Sunday was packed with up to 1,000 people enjoying the warm weather and live music.

The traditional event has become more and more popular and especially so since Hillworth Park was refurbished last year.

Dave Buxton, artistic director of Devizes Carnival, said: “The weather looked a bit grey in the morning but by the afternoon it was warm and sunny.

There was a very large crowd, about the same as last year. The park was full.

“Most people brought picnics but the park café was very busy. Some barrels of beer organised by Devizes CAMRA ran out.

“Picnic in the Park has become an institution.

“When we put the signs out for it we see people carrying picnic boxes and tables walking down the road. Some people brought elaborate picnics with cloths and tables.”

Children were entertained by Lady Margot, who played ball games, did balloon modelling and plate spinning, while Steve Kaos was inundated with youngsters wanting to learn circus skills such as stilt walking and juggling.

Mr Buxton said: “Steve normally has a break in the middle of his set but there were so many youngsters wanting to have a go at circus skills that he didn’t bother. He carried on for five hours. It was his first visit to Picnic in the Park and he was impressed.”

Pewsey’s After Lark Jazz Duo got the live music under way, followed by a blues rock band, The Mustangs, who sold CDs after their performance.

Other bands were also popular. Radio Banksa, a jazz quintet, and By the Rivers, a six-piece ska-type band, were playing their fourth gig of the weekend.

Mr Buxton said: “There was a nice mix of music.

“Even when the bands had finished , people sat around for another hour. It was a lovely atmosphere.”