THE annual party in the park to celebrate the birthplace of the NHS at Trafford General is back, bigger and better than ever before, say organisers.

More than two dozen local charities, community groups and campaigners will be joining in the celebrations on Saturday at Golden Hill Park in Urmston - a stone's throw from the hospital where Aneurin Bevan launched the NHS on July 5, 1947.

This year's 67th birthday celebrations, which will include live music headlined by local Jam tribute band Small Weller, more than 26 stalls, children's entertainment and food and drink, will be aiming to raise awareness about mental health.

Organiser, Cllr Joanne Harding, said: “This is the fourth year we have held a party in the park to celebrate the NHS and this celebration will have more going on than ever before.

“There will be lots for children and families to do, enjoy themselves and have fun, some great live music as well as a serious message about tackling the stigma and lack of funding surrounding mental health.

“The party in the park has quickly become a very important annual event for Trafford - it's about celebrating the NHS which is loved and valued more than any other British institution, at its birthplace, right here in Trafford.

“It's our claim to a little bit of global recognition. The response and support from local organisations and local people who are all giving their time free, shows just how proud we are of our NHS.

"It's also part of our campaign to make sure we keep our NHS, as a public service free to all at the point of need.”