REVELLERS turned up in Southend’s Garon Park on Saturday to see big name bands such as McFly and Stereo MCs take to the stage.

From young children to the more mature festival-goer, friends and families had a whale of a time, also enjoying a plethora of comedy acts, live podcasts, a Ferris wheel and whole variety of food.

Among the crowds were plenty of NHS staff who were given free tickets by In the Park festival organisers, to thank them for all their hard work during the pandemic.

It was one of the first gigs of the summer for headliners McFly, as well as the first time many people had been out to a live music event in a long time.

One enthralled fan, Jack Exer, said: “I’ve missed the resonance running through my body and my head being in front of all that noise!”

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The gig kicked off at noon with the Grrrl Zine Fair, and went on for 11 hours. DJs Zoe London and Just Hustl3 also kept the crowd dancing and singing in between the acts.

Music also came from Scouting for Girls, Eliza and the Bear, Lauran Hibberd, Noahfinnce, Ruti, and the New Twentys.

Festival organiser Sean Mcloughlin said the event was like a mini festival, and it was great to be able to include attractions such as the Grrrl Zine Fair, live podcasting and comedy as well as the main music events.

For more information, visit weekenedinthepark.com