Teddy Bears Picnic: Bubbles, bears and brollies

The bubble fairy blows bubbles for Kitty O'Connor, 6, and her sister Pippa, 4, during a very wet Teddy Bears Picnic held at Western Springs Park. Photo / Dean Purcell

If you went down to Western Springs Park yesterday, you would have been sure of a big surprise.

For every bear that ever there was had gathered there for the annual Teddy Bears Picnic.

The bears' owners - children of all ages - were treated to face painting, a fairy grotto, musicians, magicians, strolling performers and a stage show at the event sponsored by Abe's Bagels.

The wet weather didn't stop sisters Kitty and Pippa O'Connor from popping bubbles blown by the bubble fairy.

Holly Cooper, 13 months, kept herself dry in a colourful raincoat and held her toy dog close to try keep it out of the rain too.

The annual Auckland event has been entertaining families for 29 years, making it the longest running event of its kind in New Zealand.

After starting in Cornwall Park, and then spending more than 20 years at the Auckland Domain, the picnic has found its new home at the park around Western Springs Lake.