KNITTING, ceramic workshops and flower arranging were just three activities showcased to locals at a well-attended festival at the weekend - which also coincided with a UK-wide bandstand event.

The Belle Vue Park Community Festival saw around 2,500 people take advantage of the fine weather to meet representatives from 30 local groups.

Run by the Friends of Newport ornamental parks, Saturday and Sunday's free event invited people to meet representatives from a variety of groups including Newport Floral Society, Stow Hill Communities First and Stow Hill Echo magazine.

The aim of the weekend, which was funded by a £4,000 grant from the Big Lottery Fund, was to show what is available in the local community.

Hope Rescue raised money from a dog show, which featured up to 13 classes, with prizes handed out to the winners of fun-based categories.

It is the second time the event has been run since 2010 and this year it coincided with a Bandstand Marathon.

It was one of 500 put on across the UK to simultaneously celebrate music talent.

Jazz band Imperfect Tenth, Mr A and the Playground Jokers were amongst the performers in Newport, while there were other events in Abergavenny, Cwmbran, Chepstow and Pontypool.

Chairwoman of the Friends of Newport ornamental parks, Kerry Bottrick, said Newport's event lived up to expectations.

"It has been absolutely fantastic. We have had a brilliant couple of days," she added.