RECORD visitors attended this year's Picnic in the Park in Stretford.

The recent event at Victoria Park, included a line-up of live bands and finished with a set from the world famous DJ Mr Scruff.

This annual event, now in its ninth year, proved once again to be Stretford's biggest party of the year, thanks to the hard work of its organisers, the Friends of Victoria Park Streford, who see it as a means of celebrating the whole community.

One of the organisers Fiona McDonald said: "As well as Mr Scruff, there were some great bands and singers.

"The Chorlton Ladies started the show off with a chilled out vibe, Dead Man’s Hand punked it up, before Ruff Trade kept it mellow and reggae, before Divide and Conquer energised the crowd with their brass section ska.

"There was also some of Streford's finest including The Mons who got people up and dancing, Radioshed cheered the crowd, as well as organiser John Naughton on his guitar. Between sets local DJ Dr. Sid played summer afternoon funky tunes.

Fiona added: “This year we had the biggest turnout ever and were really proud of how the day went and our super friendly crowd who attended.

"It felt like the whole of Streford was out and and it was nice to see people we hadn’t seen for years, old neighbours and school friends, as well as meeting new people over the picnic blankets.

"So many people give their time and energy for free to help organise the event and deserve a massive thank you from the performers on stage, to volunteers who stayed late putting equipment away and sorting out the recycling.

"It’s our tenth year next year so we'll have to see how we can make it an even bigger event!”

The event was sponsored by Gallaghers, Amey, Trading Places Streford, Seven Brothers Brewery, and the Sip club.