WITH the added appeal of basking in the sunshine in the park, hundreds of people enjoyed the musical entertainment provided at an annual community event.

This year’s Hexham Carnival was declared a huge success by organisers as people danced and sang along in the park in great numbers.

There was a slight panic when the traditional organiser of the live music had to cancel due to other commitments, but in stepped Tynedale musicians Shaun Fenwick and Mark Graham to save the day.

The duo arranged a varied line-up to appeal to all ages, with The SubLimes, Pretty Vacant, The Junk Yard Geordies, Earl Grey and the Charwallahs, The Northern Lights and Stratosphonic appearing on the Bandstand stage.

Carnival secretary Glynis Bell, the main organiser of the event along with chairwoman Joanna Jackson, said: “Everybody enjoyed themselves and they were all dancing and partying away quite happily. We do have to thank Mark and Shaun for stepping in and putting on a good show at short notice.

“A lot of stallholders sold out and they were extremely happy with how busy it was on the day. Joanna and I want to thank for everybody for making the carnival a massive success.”

In addition to live music, there were dance performances from Hexham Morris dancers and the visiting Carlisle Clogs.

To complement the many activities during the day, a fun fair kept the younger guests entertained.