THOUSANDS of people demonstrated that the Olympics are gone but not forgotten at a special festival held in Verulamium Park on Saturday.

The St Albans Olympic Legacy Festival attracted more than 3,000 visitors who were able to take part in a variety of sports in the park.

A year after the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, visitors played football and beach volleyball at the festival provided by St Albans district council. They also tried out tennis, ultimate Frisbee, circus skills and water zorbing – floating in a plastic ball.

The beach volleyball court was a particular attraction. Verulamium Park is one of six locations to get a new beach volleyball facility as a direct result of the London 2012 Olympic Games.

The courts are made with sand from the Olympic beach volleyball courts and training courts located in London during the Games.

Live music was provided during the event by Sophie Ray, A Work in Progress, KARA, August Gone, Rangoon, J Stark, The Nameless Three and Marcus Lazarus. Local restaurateurs provided food and refreshments throughout the festival.

Cllr Mike Wakely, the council’s portfolio holder for sports, leisure and heritage, said: “People all over the world are celebrating the legacy of what was the greatest sporting show on earth last year.

“I am delighted that St Albans Olympic Legacy Festival is such a successful part of these worldwide celebrations one year after the 2012 Olympic and Paralympics’ Games.

“I hope that many people will be inspired to make sport a greater part of their lives after trying out new activities for the first time this weekend.”