THE rain failed to dampen spirits of party revellers as thousands descended on a park for a dance festival.

Around 2,000 people from across Lancashire, Manchester, Birmingham, Carlisle and London put on their dancing shoes and headed over to Blackburn's Witton Park on Saturday for a 10-hour music festival.

Based around the theme of the film Avatar, the one-day event featured 35 top DJs and musicians performing on three stages at Witton Park, including dance pioneer Judge Jules, BBC Radio One's Charlie Sloth and baseline icon Jamie Duggan.

The festival, located near Preston Old Road, also included laser and light shows, fire breathers, palm readers, stilt walkers and dance performers.

Chief organiser Zander Lawrenson, who has been running the event for the fourth time, described the day as a 'big success'.

The 26-year-old, from Darwen, said: "It was brilliant and a big success.

"It was a big shame about the weather but the feedback we have received has been fantastic."

The first Restricted Forest rave at Witton Park took place back in 2016 and since then organisers have added more artists to the schedule and made the festival even bigger.

Lancashire Telegraph:

A new stage was set up for Saturday's event - the Home Tree stage - which offered a different genre of dance music, namely tech and tech house music.

Despite being drenched in the downpour throughout most of the day, party goers said they had an enjoyable experience.

William Dunk, 18, from Lancaster, said: "I've had an amazing time here. I have never visited Blackburn before so it was nice to make the trip to see some great DJs.

"I'd definitely be keen to come again when it's next on."

Rosie Eliza, 21, from Manchester, who was visiting the festival for the first time, said: "The event has been great. It's good fun and lots of people here seem to be enjoying themselves.

"Seeing Charlie Sloth was the highlight for me."

Harry Thompson, 33, from Burnley, added: "I might be wet in the rain but this is what you call a party."

The next Restricted Forest festival is scheduled for bank holiday weekend on May 5 next year.