MOST visitors to the annual Riverside Festival see it as a great day out made better by the fact it is just a short walk or bus ride away.
Fairground rides, sports activities, craft stalls, food from around the world and fireworks all come together at Victoria Embankment, making it one of the biggest events on the calendar for Nottingham folk.
But other visitors – like Ken and Iris Lee – have travelled from a little further afield for the weekend showpiece.
The couple from Newcastle arrived at a caravan rally in Holme Pierrepont on Friday – after 167 miles, five hours and two traffic jams.
"We came last year as well," said Iris, 69.
"We've got a motor home and we stay at the rally at Holme Pierrepont.
"We just like everything here. There's a good mixture of different things."
Ken, 69, was also pleased to see the event was on once again.
"It's just a really enjoyable atmosphere," he said.
"There's loads to do and all the different nationalities of food they have means there really is something for everyone.
"I think we'll be coming back next year. There's nothing really like this in Newcastle – it really brings the community together."
While the Lees preferred the quieter side of the festival, taking in craft stalls, steam engine displays and performances, there was also plenty to keep younger members of the family entertained.
Have-a-go archery, a "scale the heights" climbing wall, a golf exhibition, a "beat the goalie" hockey challenge, a fastest-serve tennis competition and "learn to fish" with the Environment Agency were among the activities.
There were also demonstrations and instructions in football, rugby, beach handball, boxing and netball.
And for those who prefer a bit of an adrenaline rush, there was a ghost train, waltzers and roller coasters, along with a fun house, carousel and dodgems.
Kate Naish, 37, of Burton Joyce, had brought her three children: William, 9, Oliver, 6, and Imogen, 2.
"We've been in previous years and the children always really love it," she said. "We bring a picnic and then try out all the children's activities.
"It's a really good family day out."
Riverside kicked off at 6.30pm on Friday, with music from The Steve McGill Band, Frankie Rudolph and The Gorgeous Chans opening the two-and-a-half-day festival.
Talent from Nottingham was showcased on Saturday, including Brad Dear, The Joe Strange Band, The Loophole Project, Leo and the Seraphim, as well as Mr B, The Gentleman Rhymer, of Glastonbury and Edinburgh Fringe fame.
Saturday ended with a bang, with the fireworks spectacular at 10.30pm.
Meanwhile, Sunday brought a slightly gentler musical programme with the Hucknall and Linby MC Brass Band among those to perform.
But the annual dragon boat challenge, also on Sunday, was by no means quiet – with corporate teams battling it out on the water to raise money for their chosen charities.
Ryan Lang, 7, has been to the festival every year with his mother Sharon, 42, and brother Adrian, 14.
"I just like every single ride," said Ryan, who lives in Clifton.
"I want to go on Cyclone, the really big roller coaster, but I'm not big enough."
