FREE family fun was the order of the day on Sunday as Prudhoe’s annual Highfield Fest took to the town for its sixth year.

More than 500 families flocked to the Prudhoe park on Sunday to enjoy the array of activities and entertainment that filled the fields.

And there was something to put a smile on everyone’s face, from sporting challenges to crafts, live music and even a miniature zoo.

Making its debut this year was Ley Poleguns, a pole fitness display by local teacher Lesley Jackson whose students wowed everyone with their amazing strength and agility.

Youngsters were encouraged to try their hand at colourful graffiti art, and funded by Prudhoe Youth Charity shop and coached by local artist John Craggs, 20 young people went home with their own stylized artwork.

Those wanting to run off some excess energy were not disappointed with football sporting challenges laid on by Davy and Jack Armstrong of Prudhoe Youth Football Club and archery sessions from the first Prudhoe Scouts.

And inflatable attractions including an assault course, bouncy castle, giant slide. The very popular ‘Demolition Zone’ provided by NBK Leisure and sponsored by Thompsons of Prudhoe, attracted long queues from adults and children alike.

Despite gusty wind threatening their tents, a menagerie of miniature exotic beasts was on display from Kirkley Hall Zoo and Prudhoe Parents’ Group provided a crafts session for smaller visitors.

Popular face-painter Julie Charlton returned for another year to transform children into wild animals and superheroes. “It’s so nice to see some children coming back to get their faces painted and they remember me from the previous year,” she said.

And those proud of their new look were able to show it off with pride as this year’s festival boasted a selfie tent complete with hats, wigs and props and furnished with free wi-fi, courtesy of Radio Prudhoe.

Local talent was put in the spotlight with performances from the young dancers of Energize Dance Group and Annesha’s School of Dance.

And four bands took to the stage to provide a musical backdrop to the day, the bill of local musical talent included The Neighbourhood Blues Band, Divine Crown, JADE and Lyrical Whiskey.

Mayor of Prudhoe, coun. Mrs Eileen Burt, took to the stage to thank the many people involved.

She said: “Another great and free family fun day at Highfield Park, thoroughly enjoyed by lots of Prudhoe families and their friends. Many thanks to everyone who helped to make it such an enjoyable day.”