THE sun shone on the hundreds of visitors to one of Poole's biggest fundraising events on Sunday. Holidaymakers joined locals of all ages at the first day of the annual Poole Park Fest 05 to enjoy a whole range of activities aimed at raising money for the Friends of Poole Park and at highlighting the facilities the venue has to offer.

The event had a rather bohemian feel this year, with a raft of stalls selling home-made jewellery, clothes and crystals, and others offering alternative therapies such as aromatherapy and Indian head massage.

Visitors could also try their hand at yoga and learn more about healthy eating from both the Nutrichef and Chinese cookery consultant Andy Chu, who put on demonstrations throughout the day.

For the more energetic there was a climbing wall, pedalo racing, kite surfing demonstrations and volleyball tasters as well as the opportunity to try HydraZorbing - where participants climb inside a giant, waterborne hamster wheel to walk on water.

And for those who just wanted to enjoy the sunshine, there was a range of musical accompaniment, including Mungo Jerry and the Graham Mack Blues Band.

Friends of Poole Park publicity officer Bob Lister said: "It's all about having fun in the park. It's to attract people to the park to use the facilities.

"We are increasing the facilities all the time. With the development of Poole Quarter with 550 homes we are trying to increase the facilities in the park to cater for those extra people.

"It's for the whole family - we've got everything people want. We want people to come and use the park and enjoy it."

The fun was continuing until 5pm today with watersports, circus skills, a salsa workshop, martial arts demonstrations and a range of music including Re-Instated rock band, a jive workshop and Sgt Peppers Only Dartboard Band.