It was the kind of day that left a community feeling proud of what it had created together.
A summer event at a popular pub has been hailed as its best yet, after one of its biggest turnouts in a long time.
The Duke of Wellington's Welly Fest returned for its second year this month, with live music, food, family activities, and exotic animals.
Landlady Sophie McGrath said: "It was fantastic; it was better than I could ever possibly have imagined.
"It was simply amazing"
The event featured five or six musical acts, alongside food vendors and family entertainment.
Visitors could also see exotic animals, with children given the chance to touch snakes and lizards.
Sophie said the pub was "absolutely rammed" during what she described as its busiest day yet.
"I wouldn't even like to guess how many people were there, we were just that busy. I'd say it's the busiest day we've had yet."
The event followed last year's first Welly Fest, which Sophie said was affected by rain throughout the day.
She said the better weather this year had "definitely helped", with large numbers turning out throughout the afternoon.
Cllr Andy Morgan, of Heaton, Lostock, and Chew Moor, agreed that the weather had helped make the event a success after last year's washout.
He said: "It was just a fantastic family afternoon.
"There were loads of people there, great entertainment, sun was shining, and all the community in the village came together.
"What else could we add? It was just a brilliant day."
Cllr Morgan said events at the pub were particularly important because of its role in the local community.
He said: "The Duke of Welly, which is where it was at, is the last really community facility we have in the village.
"It's really important that the community gets behind it, because if we don't use it, we'll lose it, it was great that everybody turned out."
He also praised Sophie, Adam, and the pub team for the work that went into the event.
He said: "They put their heart and soul into it, and it really paid off this year, so it was great to see."
Sophie said the event could return with changes next year, including a possible beach-style area in the car park with sand and deck chairs.
She also said she would work more closely with event compere Diane Campbell to help the performances run more smoothly.
But she said the main thing she wanted to highlight was the work of those behind the scenes.
Sophie said: "I'd just like to thank everyone for coming, that came and had a good day.
"I'd definitely like to mention a big thank you to all the staff because everybody worked so, so hard.
"And it was a really busy day, and it wasn't easy for them, but they did incredibly.
"I'm just so proud of them all."
The event also featured stalls from local businesses, while funds raised are set to support local community projects.
Share