Thousands of people descended on Sloughbottom Park, in Norwich, today as a popular community event celebrated its 30th anniversary.

The sun shone brightly over the park as crowds flocked to the Mile Cross Community Festival to enjoy a range of attractions.

It was the festival's 30th incarnation and second year back at its original home in Sloughbottom Park.

Among the entertainment was a circus show, dance groups, slides, zorb balls, bouncy castle and a classic car show.

Kevin Wyer, secretary of Mile Cross Community Association, has been helping to run the event for the past 10 years, and said that Saturday's event was a big success.

Mr Wyer, of Wheeler Road, said: 'From my point of view, I think this is the biggest success we have had.'

He said it had been a 'real good turnout' and that he expected there to be many more than the 3,500 last year, but unfortunately the clickers counting people in broke early in the afternoon.

'To me it looks like much more than last year,' he said, 'there are hoards coming through.'

Mr Wyer, a school road crossing patroller and lunchtime supervisor, said that many local businesses and groups had helped make the event happen, although he added he was disappointed local shops hadn't been more involved.

Six members of Mile Cross Community Association organised the festival over the last 10 months, with four associate members helping. Local businesses Gasway, Initial Fire, Lovell's and Cotman Housing also offered help, while Kings Church and Proclaimers Church helped with stewarding.

The festival has been made possible this year thanks to a grant from Norwich City Council and a Sport Relief community cash grant through the Norfolk Community Foundation, supported by the Evening News.

Mr Wyer, 54, said that without the volunteers and grant it would not have been able to happen.

Other attractions included a Punch and Judy Show and a graffiti T-shirt sprayer, while 22-year-old Stuart Andrew, of Kensington Place, Norwich, allowed people to cut his long hair for donations to Norwich Community Green Gym.