Parents, children and animals alike got together to celebrate a farm’s 40th anniversary with an afternoon full of fun.

Lee Valley Park Farms, in Waltham Abbey, reopened for its new season on Saturday (February 11) and kicked off the celebrations with games, arts, crafts and a children’s 70s disco.

Visitors were transported back 40 years to the era when the farm first opened, with reminders of that decade’s flares, platform shoes and flower power.

A host of furry and feathered friends, including resident rabbits Gizmo, Lucky and Honey, and pigs Freddie and Lola made their first public appearances since the winter to join in the celebrations.

Children were able to meet some of the 300 or so resident animals at the farm, including, chinchillas, ponies, reindeer, goats, meerkats and even Newton, Lee Valley’s resident bearded dragon.

Farm manager, James Broomfield, said: “It has been a terrific start to our 40th birthday year, with our bonanza weekend.

“The fun is set to continue throughout the half term week, with lots of activities and close encounters with some of the animals such as the donkeys, bunnies and guinea pigs, as well as our popular critter corner.

“Families are welcome to continue to celebrate our four decades of history with us throughout the week and beyond.”