A FAMILY fun event was held to "get the community together" this weekend.

Freemantle Lake Park hosted The Great Get Together, with a ukulele band, face painting, games, a bouncy castle and food.

The afternoon was organised by Friends of Freemantle Lake Park "to bring the community together" and raise money for improvements at the green space off Richmond Road.

READ MORE: Residents throw picnic fit for a queen in Southampton park

Chair of the community project, Becky Fielder, said that it "feels great to be back" after a two-year break due to the pandemic.

Becky said: "We are chuffed with the turnout. It's a nice feeling to be able to have everybody together.

"Everyone's been through a lot. We have been blessed with the weather today too.

"The aim of the event is to bring the community together and to have a good time.

"It's also to raise funds for the Friends of Freemantle Lake Park for improvements to the park."

The group has already organised some improvements, including goal posts, an outdoor children's gym area, and accessible equipment for youngsters with disabilities.

"It's so that everybody gets included in the area. Families who felt like they couldn't use the park can now use it," Becky said.

She added that the new fixtures were thanks to grants from Stronger Communities Together and Veolia.

Mum, Monica Miller was at the event with her family.

She told the Echo: "Everyone gets together. It's nice with family and kids. It's good weather."

Dad, Thomas Thorn added: "Everyone's really friendly around here. It's a nice community. They all look after one another."

Mum, Rosa Bonicka said: "It's really nice, and nice weather. It's a lot of fun here."

Her daughter Suzie, seven, said she was looking forward to the bouncy castle the most: "I love them."

There was live music from the Southampton Ukulele Jam, stalls from Freemantle Baptist Church for children’s crafts and Coach4U, a sports firm, for fun and games.

There was also a book of condolences available for people to write their tributes to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.

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