HUNDREDS of children twanged electric guitars, watched a magic show and played beat-the-goalie to celebrate summer.

The school holidays started in style as Hatch Warren Community Centre opened its doors for entertaining activities.

Among the holiday fun was face-painting, craft stalls, stilt-walking, a tombola and bouncy castles.

About 300 people came along to the event and families enjoyed picnics on the centre’s grounds.

Administration officer at the centre, Clare Britten, said the event had been a huge success.

Ms Britten said: “It was a fantastic way to mark the beginning of the children’s summer holidays.

“We had some great shows, such as a magic show and balloon modelling and, thankfully, there was quite a bit of sun and only a sprinkling of rain.

“We’ve run this event for about five or six years and it’s brilliant to see so many families here. It’s all about bringing the community together, and when the sun shines, they come early and stay late.

“We’ve just opened the extension to the centre and will be putting on a lot more summer holiday activities.”