Thousands flocked to a a sunny Lodmoor Country Park for a festival of music, activities, food and drink.

Party in the Park, organised by community radio station AIR 107.2 and now in its seventh year, drew crowds of families and music-lovers to the Weymouth park on Sunday, with visitors soaking up the sun while strolling around the stalls and attractions, or listening to live music from the likes of Stereoironics, The Speedway Snails, Xander and The Keys and Frazer Mitchell.

Vendors sold snacks and meals ranging from burritos to Chinese food and local shellfish, while groups such as the Dorset Wildlife Trust (DWT) and Friends of Lodmoor Park manned stalls and chatted with visitors.

Dinah Ellis of Friends of Lodmoor Park said the day had gone 'very well', with lots of visitors taking part in the crafts – especially painting paper butterflies – on offer.

"We've got plenty of activities and games, and lots of children have come to take part," Mrs Ellis said, noting that the sunny weather was 'a great help' in drawing the crowds.

One child taking part was Joshua Mordell, who was clearing up plastic dog mess as part of the group's efforts to persuade people to be responsible dog-owners.

Joshua had come with his father, Adam Mordell, his mother, Michelle King, and several other family members.

Mr Mordell, from Weymouth, told the Echo that the family came down every year.

"This year's the busiest yet," he said.

Jo De Havilland of the DWT said she had already convinced several festival-goers to sign up to the wildlife charity.

"There's a really good buzz," Ms De Havilland said, noting that people were particularly interested in DWT's work in protecting marine life off the county's coast.

The organisers from AIR 107.2 meanwhile said the event had proved 'superb' and 'outstanding'.

Station manager Derek Greenacre revealed that some 4,000 visitors were expected over the course of the afternoon, a new high for the festival.

"We've had such fantastic support from the Weymouth public," said Mr Greenacre, who has been involved since the festival's first iteration in 2012. "The whole thing really has been outstanding and superb."

Co-organiser Venetia Randall concurred, noting that the best part of the festival was watching the families enjoying themselves.

"There have been no problems – it's just been great all-round," said Ms Randall, now in her third year organising Party in the Park, which is funded by sponsorship from local firms as well as donations and vendor fees.

The organisers added their thanks to the event's musicians, crew and volunteers – and also to the visitors.

"We want to thank everyone who had attended."Ms Randall said. "We couldn't do it without them."