THE crowds gathered at Chester Racecourse at the weekend for the venue's annual Family Day.

Sunday's (August 6) event, which was curated in partnership with North West publication ParentFolk, featured a full programme of races alongside appearances from BBC children's characters, Pinocchio and Freeda, and three carefully tailored family-friendly sections.

Hundreds enjoyed an afternoon in the sunshine with a range of ages in attendance, from families with little ones to grandchildren with grandparents and young couples to groups of old friends. Even classic children's show host and Chuckle Brother Paul Elliot was there to give us a wave.

It is the third year that the Parentfolk have arranged the hugely popular event at the Racecourse, transforming the Open Course into three distinct areas: a PlayZone, MusicZone and MakeZone.

Chester and District Standard: There was plenty for children in the Playzone.There was plenty for children in the Playzone. (Image: Simon Warburton)

The PlayZone featured a city beach where little ones could play with buckets and spades, and giant versions of retro arcade games were installed for grown-ups vs kids battles.

The MusicZone saw sets from the award-winning Disco Defender and the opportunity to join the DiscoYoga gang for some feel-good family yoga sessions.

Chester and District Standard: Actor and comedian Paul Elliot, aka Chuckle was also in attendance.Actor and comedian Paul Elliot, aka Chuckle was also in attendance. (Image: Simon Warburton)

Manchester artist Pete Obsolete created the ultimate live draw graffiti wall in the MakeZone, and families were able to meet storyteller extraordinaire, Gav Cross, for some silly stories, rock up for the Funny Looking Kids show, and swing by the ParentFolk kids ink tattoo pop-up.

For added excitement, much-loved Pinocchio and Friends characters headed over to the Racecourse to sing and dance with their fans with kids able to visit the activity tent for the chance to have their photo taken with their heroes.

Produced by Rainbow, Pinocchio and Friends is a funny and original adaptation of one of the most famous fairy tales of all time.

Net World Sports, a leading international sports equipment provider, also provided the event with some football activities and garden games in the Open Course area ensuring that everyone could make use of the good weather.