Families flock to park for sparkling evening event

This free event on Sunday saw parents and children light up the park with makeshift jam jar lanterns made at a workshop. At about 4.30pm, as the dark was setting in, families processed through the woods with their lanterns.

Colourfully lit stalls with live music and food and drinks decorated the park's children's play area, and the park's train - adorned with Christmas lights - was also running for the evening.

Fears that the event may be rained off were alleviated - while a little overcast, the weather remained favourable for families looking to enjoy the evening.

Residents responded positively to the event, with many regulars comparing it favourably to other years.

Resident Kate Frampton, who came along with her family, said: "We're loving it. We're loving the Christmas carols. You can see how many people turned up for it. We have got such a great community at Lodmoor. It's a chance to see your neighbours and schoolfriends."

Many other residents also praised the community spirit that was kindled by this and other events at the park.

Lawrence Lee said: "It's really good, the kids have loved it. It's nice to see how many people have come out. It's nice to see stuff like this."

Matthew Jarman said: "We come here all the time. It has been well organised, and it brings everyone down to the park."

Adam Gates said: "We come every year. It's good to get together."

Some families even travelled from further afield to take part in the evening.

One of them was Katie White, who travelled all the way from Bridport for the event.

She said: "We went to sealife first and we came and used the park. This is the first time we have been to Sparkle in the Park. We are very impressed with it. It brings everybody together. There are lots of people here who would not normally be here."

Sparkle in the Park is an annual event organised by Friends of Lodmoor Country Park, a group that works with the Weymouth Town Council's department of Parks and Open Spaces.