Queen's Park came alive with the sounds of pipes, drums and big bands, the sight of a colourful procession and the excitement of a battle re-enactment.

Other attractions enthralling the 8,000- strong crowd included face painting, a climbing wall, football, model boats, and even miniature rocket launches.

A carnival procession left from Shawlands Academy was led by pipers and loosely based on the festival's heritage theme.

Councillor James Dornan was delighted with the event he first proposed to The Extra more than a year ago.

He said: "I am absolutely delighted with its success — it was bigger and better than I had ever dreamed it being.

"The feedback has been incredibly supportive and I am pleased the park was used for what it was meant to be used for.

"No-one can hide something terrible happenned in Queen's Park not so long ago, but I called for the park to be reclaimed at the festival opening, and the people certainly did that."

Mr Dornan's highlight of the day was the clan re-enactment which detailed famous periods of Scottish, and southside, history by experts The Clann.

Their battle cries contrasted with the relaxed mood of the glasshouses where flavours of the southside event gave visitors a taste of local restaurants.

And for the finale a licensed party dubbed the Southside Fiesta rocked the hothouses from 7pm to midnight.

Festival director Isobel Barrett told The Extra: "The idea for a southside festival has been discussed for a number of years but now it has finally come to fruition.

"We were a bit wary of what would become of the festival given that it was the first one, however I am totally delighted with how it worked out.

"The police reported no problems in the park and commented on the happy atmosphere, and we are all just delighted that the community came out and backed the festival given that it had been touch and go whether or not we'd get the park back.

"The steering group only started pressing forward with the festival in January, and with help and support it has been magnificent, we are starting next year's plans with a meeting tonight to make next year's even better.

"The southside festival is now part of the vibrancy of the local area."

Festival organisers need volunteers to push things forward for next year's extravaganza.

Anyone interested, or seeking more information should go to www.southsidefestival.co.uk.