VINTAGE buses and Punch & Judy were among the attractions at the Birkenhead Family festival today.

An estimated 4,000 people are thought to have turned out throughout the day for the event, now in its second year, which was staged in Hamilton Square.

Entertainment included Punch & Judy shows, children's rides, craft stalls, face painting, an inflatable maze, vintage ice cream van, children's entertainer, arts and crafts by The Hive youth zone and circus workshops and activities provided by Birkenhead's Magic Circus.

Wirral radio also broadcast live from the event, staging an afternoon of music featuring performances from Wirral Sign Choir, singer Rachel Russell and vocalist/guitarist Josh Storey.

A number of stalls were open too.

The event was organised Birkenhead First, set up to improve the promotion of Birkenhead.

Reflecting on today's festival Sarah Preston, events manager, told the Globe: "The weather was against us and we took the hit at the start of the festival, but brightened up for a while.

“It's the second year we have run the festival.

“I think, over the years, Wirral has seen a decline in the number of events that are community based.

"So, it's about bringing people back to the areas they should come and visit.

"I'm sure there will future events planned by the chamber in coming years.

"Seasonal events will appear on our calendar, so look out for those.

"I think we’ve started a tradition now."

During the day, visitors could also board Wirral Transport Museum's vintage buses – the 'Birkenhead Blues'.

They were manned by Terry Cooper and grandson Oliver Cooper-Shone.

Terry, who is manager of Wirral Transport Museum, added: "Events like the festival are excellent ways to increase the museum’s profile and we’re delighted to be part of it.

"We're all volunteers. The museum is still owned by Wirral Council, but three and a half years ago they approached us to run and manage the place on their behalf, which is what we’ve been doing.

“We’re keeping the place alive and hopefully going from success to success.”

Oliver, who attends Wirral Grammar School, is a member of the museum.

He said: "I've been doing this since I was about seven and have always had a love of buses.

"It never gets boring for me and I plan to become a bus driver.

"I always used to go down to the transport museum and see my grandad and the buses.

"Got to the age when I could be a member and never left."

Among those enjoying the fun were Sally and four-year-old granddaughter Juliette, both from Wallasey.

Commenting on the festival, Sally said: “This is absolutely wonderful.

“It’s perfect for children now that they’re on summer holidays, and something that doesn’t cost a fortune.

“Thanks to the organisers." 

Paul Griffiths, a member of the Birkenhead First Steering Group behind the event, added: "It's been fantastic to see so many people come out and it can only improve year-on-year.

"Birkenhead First is in place for many years to come and hopefully, next time, people will be able to see that we’re bringing more people to the town.

"So let's keep having the festival and a great family time."