EASTROP Park was awash with colour and culture as the annual World Party basked in the sunshine on Saturday.

Now in its eighth year, the Basingstoke Multicultural Forum (BMF) organised event has been one of the highlights of the yearly Basingstoke Festival.

Celebrating and showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the diverse communities that live in Basingstoke and Deane, families flocked to the free event as temperatures reached 28C in the park.

On the main stage there was a range of music, dance and other artistic performances from across the world.

Visitors to Eastrop Park also enjoyed face painting, henna, inflatable slides, bungee trampoline and a variety of workshops for all age groups.

Things kicked off with a community parade around the Eastrop lake, before visitors were given a cultural experience to get a taste of all the different communities which make up Basingstoke and Deane.

The World Party is on of the key events organised by the BMF, which aims to promote better understanding between different faiths and cultures in Basingstoke and Deane, enabling dialogue and collaboration, as well as supporting each other to be an integral part of local society and its development.

Spokesperson for BMF, Toju Ogbe said: “Basingstoke has become more culturally diversified over the last decade and World Party presents a unique opportunity to showcase solidarity amongst different ethnic groups that exist in the town. As usual, we enjoyed another large turnout and another great day of family fun.”

To find out more about the work of the BMF and how to get involved in what they do visit bmforum.org.uk