Grey Lynn plays host to swinging festival

Sophie Jamison enjoys the thrill of the chair-o-plane during this year's Grey Lynn Festival, which was attended by at least 70,000 people. Photo / Peter Meecham

Auckland's Grey Lynn Park Festival celebrated its 30th anniversary in style on Saturday.

According to organisers, the free festival - which featured performances from a variety of artists and 250 stalls - attracted between 70,000 and 80,000 people.

Festival trust board chairwoman Kate Burke said this year's event was the best yet.

"It was brilliant. It was such a peaceful and happy crowd," she said. "We're really, really pleased."

A few showers during the day failed to dampen spirits, with festival-goers making the most of the live music and stalls - which were mainly small-scale traders and artists. Community groups were also selected as a way to increase their exposure and raise funds.

Ms Burke has been involved with the festival for about 20 years.

"We've had a couple of really great ones, but this was the best. It was due to the fact that it was our 30th anniversary ... and that many of our volunteers have now got 15 years under their belt, and they were happy to celebrate our birthday."