If you went down to Christchurch Park at the weekend, you were in for a big surprise - as a giant Teddy Bears’ Picnic was held for young children in the glorious sunshine.

East Anglian Daily Times: Elliot Smith (4), Ruby Barker (5), Archie Smith (6) and Arabella Waddle (5) all from Ipswich, enjoyed the racing cars at the Teddy Bears Picnic in Christchurch Park on Sunday. Picture: Neil DidsburyElliot Smith (4), Ruby Barker (5), Archie Smith (6) and Arabella Waddle (5) all from Ipswich, enjoyed the racing cars at the Teddy Bears Picnic in Christchurch Park on Sunday. Picture: Neil Didsbury (Image: Archant)

The event marked the start of Ipswich Borough Council's summer programme of events - and certainly did not disappoint the hundreds of people who attended.

As well as a Teddy Bear Hunt in Christchurch Mansion, there was plenty to keep the young children occupied including a nerf shooting game, traditional playground stalls such as hook a duck, balloon modelling, face painting and more.

Toddlers could also take part in music workshops while animals including goats and ducks were brought along for the children to see.

Mums and dads could also look around the vintage vehicles on display through the event on Sunday, June 16, between noon and 4pm.

East Anglian Daily Times: Daniel King (12) and Aleah King (5) from Ipswich at the Teddy Bears Picnic in Christchurch Park on Sunday. Picture: Neil DidsburyDaniel King (12) and Aleah King (5) from Ipswich at the Teddy Bears Picnic in Christchurch Park on Sunday. Picture: Neil Didsbury (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Almost got it. A youngster hooking a duck at the Teddy Bears Picnic in Christchurch Park, Ipswich over the weekend. Picture: Neil DidsburyAlmost got it. A youngster hooking a duck at the Teddy Bears Picnic in Christchurch Park, Ipswich over the weekend. Picture: Neil Didsbury (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Parker Bayliss (6) from Ipswich, with her unicorn bag at the Teddy Bears Picnic at Christchurch Park. Picture: Neil DidsburyParker Bayliss (6) from Ipswich, with her unicorn bag at the Teddy Bears Picnic at Christchurch Park. Picture: Neil Didsbury (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: There was a selection of farm animals for children to meet at the Teddy Bears Picnic in Christchurch Park in Ipswich on Sunday. Picture: Neil DidsburyThere was a selection of farm animals for children to meet at the Teddy Bears Picnic in Christchurch Park in Ipswich on Sunday. Picture: Neil Didsbury (Image: Archant)