IF YOU thought the Town Gardens was a tranquil haven away from it all then you were wrong.

On Saturday, under the blazing sun, one of the town's beauty spots was transformed into a dance haven.

It was the second Dragonfly Ball, which saw more than a thousand revellers flock to the gardens.

The ball, organised by Nature For All is a chance to celebrate Swindon's natural environment and for people to enjoy the great outdoors.

Organisers wanted to raise awareness of the town's parks and nature reserves and show people what is on offer in the town. And they did just that.

Adrian Saunders of West Swindon said this was the first time he had been to the gardens.

The 29-year-old sales negotiator, said: "I haven't lived in Swindon very long so I thought I'd come down and see what was going on.

"It's amazing. I can't believe a dance event like this has been put on where so many different aged people and kids can come along and enjoy. If this is what I can expect I'm going to enjoy being in Swindon this summer."

Walking towards the bowl a sea of people, with their hands in the air, were dancing along to the ball's musical line-up which included Swindon bands Belarus, Captain Mandate, Beatbullyz and Ektos, as well as a host of DJs.

Everyone at the event really looked like they were having fun, including Belinda Hobbs, of Greenmeadow.

The 53-year-old housewife, said: "I'm having a brilliant afternoon.

"What better way to spend a Saturday.

"I think Swindon is a great place to be at the moment there is so much for you to do and to get outside in the fresh air.

"To dance along to music like this is great fun."

But the event was not just about dancing to good music.

Children at the event were well catered for too and could join in with circus skills and creating art using willow.

And there were even performing arts workshops, and a dedicated kids' zone with lots on offer to keep the most active children entertained.

Once darkness fell over the gardens people wearing a special Dragonfly wristband were treated to a free After Party with SoulSoul at Studio in Old Town.

Since it began, Nature For All has increased the number of nature reserves in the town from two to five and encourages people to take an interest in their local environment.

Ball organiser and Nature For All community liaison officer, Johnannah Fawthrop, said: "We were full to capacity, which was so great.

"It was Swindon's biggest outdoor party and everyone had just a fantastic time.

"There were lots of families there as well which was great because it showed people what is on offer in the town in these great outdoor spaces."

She added: "I would just like to thank everyone who helped put the ball together for their hard work."