THOUSANDS basked in the sun at a huge Party in the Park on Sunday.

Moss Bank Park was transformed into a huge open air festival complete with extraordinary performances on the main stage including spectacular fire-eating acts – all for families to enjoy for free.

The event is organised by St Peter’s Church Halliwell with other churches of all denominations to celebrate Hope 2014, where churches work together for the good of the community.

The day was kicked off with a balloon launch where people attached prayers and hopes for the future, before releasing the balloons to spread hope.

Families were kept entertained with a five-a-side inflatable pitch, cafe tent, displays, stalls, a dog show, classic car show and emergency services on hand.

The Rev Alan Saunders, curate at St Peter’s Halliwell Church, was thrilled with the success of the event.

Mr Saunders, who organised the event with church members Matt Gorton, aged 21, and Andy Bird, aged 22, said: “St Peter’s is a church with a heart for the community and a vision to partner with churches, organisations and people of goodwill across Bolton to play its part in bringing hope and wellbeing to the town.

“In a time of austerity and uncertainty, we recognise that many people are struggling, and so we wanted to provide a free day of fun and entertainment that everyone could enjoy.

“We also aimed to organise an event that would unite everyone and thought what better way could there by than to throw a huge party in the park.

“We believe that God’s love is freely given and so we want to share that love freely by our actions. And thanks to the support of everyone it was possible to put on an event that was free of charge.

“I really believe that God blessed the day with wonderful weather.”