A FAMILY-FRIENDLY music festival defied early morning showers to provide a great day of free entertainment.

AIR radio’s Party in the Park took place once again on Sunday at Lodmoor Country Park in Weymouth, featuring live music, stalls, and activities for children.

Hundreds attended the festival throughout the day, replicating the success of the station’s first event held back in May.

A bouncy galleon, visual displays, craft stalls and poetry were also attractions at the event.

Station manager Carl Greenham was delighted with the outcome.

He said: “We’ve spent months planning this, ever since the first one in May.

“It’s wicked. It’s fantastic. It’s exactly what we hoped for. There’s so much contribution from the community.

“We got a bit of rain but we won’t let that stop an AIR party. It couldn’t have been any better.”

For those who were unable to attend, the whole event was broadcast live on 107.2FM.

The station, based at Westfield Arts College, used the day as an opportunity to raise some funds. A range of merchandise was on offer, including festival guides that contained discount vouchers.

The festival had 15 performers across two stages. This included the likes of The Steve Wilson Band and Lauren Bannon.

Acoustic band Tinlin were due to play but had to pull out after members contracted laryngitis. They were replaced by The FreeDub press.

Mandy Rockingham, 45, from Weymouth, came to watch Nick Tatham, who featured in the blind auditions of the BBC’s The Voice.

She said: “I saw him on The Voice and then I saw him when AIR was on the beach.

“It’s brilliant even in the rain.”

This festival included a mini-food village, with a wide variety of food on offer.

Claire Quine attended with her husband Steve and their one-year-old daughter, Poppy. She said festival organisers had taken feedback on board from the event held in May.

She added: “Last time there wasn’t anywhere to get food.”

Steve said they had all enjoyed the day’s entertainment.

He added: “It’s really good. It’s a nice free family event. There’s a lot to do and it’s nice to have something in the local community.”