LIFE was a beach for families visiting Queens Park.

The park was transformed into a Victorian seaside resort yesterday (SUN), complete with sand, donkeys, a fairground and rickshaw rides.

The family event was organised to celebrate the £4.3 million renovation of the park and while the occasional downpour may have put some people off, hundreds still flocked to the park to experience the seaside atmosphere.

One family enjoying the day were the Moores, from Heaton, with mum and dad Anna and Daniel bringing three-year-old Egan and his brother Harlan to join in the fun.

Mr Moore said: “We have been here for a good few hours now and you can see how tired they are because they have pretty much had a go on everything.

“Egan said that playing in the sand was his favourite thing — to be fair he doesn’t get much chance to do that around here — but it’s been a great thing for us to do as a family and it looks like it has brought the whole community together.”

Jamie Watson, from Rochdale, who brought his seven-year-old son Jacob to the park.

He said: “He has really enjoyed himself, we saw some great owl babies and the flea circus was brilliant, he is now very excited about having a go on the climbing wall — rather him than me.

“I think this type of event is brilliant for families and there should be more of them.”

Visitors to the park were also able to take in a traditional Victorian Punch and Judy show as well as enjoying a ride in a rickshaw or on a penny farthing bicycle.

The more modern attractions included beach volleyball, ride-a-surf simulator and the wipe out challenge.

Keeping it traditional was flea circus master, Uncle Tacko who said he had received a “wonderful response” from Bolton.

He added: “We have collected fleas from all over and dazzled the crowds with their acrobatic performances and circus tricks.

“The crowds here have been wonderful and look like they really enjoyed the show.”