With the weather firmly on its side, the annual Summer Party in Vernon Square, Ryde attracted around 200 attendees - a record attendance.

The event generated much needed funds for the continued upkeep of the gardens, which are open to all throughout most of the year.

Queues started to form at the entrance before the 2pm start, as enthusiastic supporters were keen to set out their chairs and rugs before the first notes struck up by the Vectis Brass Band, the first of three musical performances during the afternoon.

Vectis introduced its youth band as a finale extra, before The Rug Band took the stage, keeping the mood upbeat.

The raffle draw took place, with 15 top prizes ranging from The Duck restaurant vouchers, local produce and delicacies from The Vegetable Cart and Pickle and Dill, crafts and accessories from Cloth and Comfort and The Wool Shop, Mermaid Gin and Mermaid Rum, and a cut and blow dry with Kayleigh at Twenty One Salon.

The afternoon closed with Steve Love on guitar with his medley of songs about Island life.

There were brisk takings at the Pimms and Prosecco Bar, and the cakes and savouries prepared by the Vernon Square Conservation Society volunteers proved popular.

The Vernon Square Gardens, created in 1830, were once nearly lost by plans for a car park.

It was safely rescued by the Vernon Square Conservation Society whose volunteers regularly meet up to tend to the lawns, pathways and borders.

All funds generated at the Summer Party will be used for any professional services required such as insurance, green waste, tree surgery, equipment hire, and general maintenance, to ensure that all visitors can continue to use these unique gardens safely in what is the Island’s only garden square.