WE had such a great response to a recent Bygones feature when we revisited the Arts in the Park Festival in Blackburn in 2003 featuring the likes of Liberty X that we’ve been back into the files to look at some more festival fun.

By 2005, Arts in the Park had outgrown Corporation Park and the two-day event was being staged in the much larger Witton Park for the first time.

Thousands enjoyed some glorious sunshine as the main stage on the Saturday featured the Undertones, the Proclaimers, best known for their anthem I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles) and Romanian twins Gabriela and Monica Irimia, better known as the Cheeky Girls.

There was also a second stage featuring local bands.

One the Sunday, the weather once again proved glorious and the picnics were out as Blackburn welcomed Manchester Camerata for a last night of the Proms-style event.

The event was rounded off in spectacular style with a massive firework display.