THOUSANDS turned out to enjoy live music, food, games and activities at Barrowford’s Lifestyle Festival.

Despite some unpredictable weather throughout the day, smiling residents of all ages filled Barrowford Park for the annual festival which was hosted this year by ITV presenter Paul Crone.

While enjoying the music of Russel Shaun, Calvin Henry and Aaron Lomax and tasty treats such as donuts, Indian food and burgers, many visitors were impressed with the extensive amount of kids activities this year.

Andrew Ward, 41, who was visiting with his family, said that the festival was becoming better every year for children.

He said: “The festival has been amazing for the kids this year with face painting and fairground rides.

“The kids activities were definitely better than last year.

“It’s a very important festival for the community and we just enjoy the variety of stuff that is on.”

Children were able to discover birds of prey and farmyard animals as well as getting involved in arts and crafts, a caving experience and crazy bowls.

Businesses from across Pendle also gathered in Barrowford to treat visitors to their culinary delights including Slaters Ice, Que Fresco Ltd, Proctors Cheeses Ltd and Signature Scones.

Rachel Tomlinson, head teacher at Barrowford Primary School, said she enjoyed seeing lots of families she recognised coming together and having fun.

She said: “It was a really good event and the musicians especially have been fantastic.

“We have a very close-knit community in Barrowford and as head teacher at the local school it was great to see some of the kids out having fun with their families.

“It’s an excellent event for businesses too, I know it really benefits them.”

The team at Petty’s estate agents were raising money for Pendleside Hospice by getting people to guess the amount of balloons in the car.

Ian Bythell, director at Petty’s, said the festival was a vital fundraising opportunity.

He said: “We were there since 8am getting soaked through but everyone just had fun.

“Everybody was really supportive. The more we can raise awareness of the hospice’s work the better.“This event only happens once a year and it’s invaluable to the hospice.”