HUNDREDS of people enjoyed a community get-together in Bathurst Park, Lydney.

The afternoon of displays, music, food and drink, games, and even a 5K run, was organised by the Bathurst Park Trust and was called simply the Lydney Community Event.

It was previously known as Party in the Park but the change of name emphasises the community aspect.

Mayor of Lydney Cllr Natasha Saunders, who was one of.the organisers, said: “It was a wonderful afternoon and did what we wanted it to which was to bring the community together.

“It was an opportunity to showcase the many fantastic community organisations we have in the town and for local people to see what they do.”

Local groups and businesses set up stalls in the park.

They included Forest Sea Cadets, the Friends of Forest Waterways group and Lydney Woman’s Institute.

The local platoon of the army cadets, which is this month celebrating its first anniversary since being established in the town, also had a stall.

The WI invited visitors to guess the weight of a home-made orange cake. and there was a display by members of Lydney Boxing Club.

It had been hoped there would be displays by local dance and gymnastics but their busy post-lockdown programmes meant they were not available.

Volunteers from TIC+, which is the Mayor of Lydney’s charity for this year, also had a presence.

The group offers mental health support to young people.

Cllr Saunders said: “I work as an invigilator at a school and I’ve seen the mental health issues that young people have after lockdown.

“TIC+ do an amazing job in supporting young people and I’m pleased to be able to support them as the Mayor’s Charity.”

A member of the TIC+ team presented medals to the winners of the 5K run.

Among the many visitors was Forest MP Mark Harper.

Live music from local bands also had people up and dancing.