THOUSANDS of people visited the weekend’s Hooked on Portland festival, with attendees, volunteers and businesses alike delighted at the event’s atmosphere, popularity and success.

Saturday evening’s free performance by former Noiseworks and INXS lead singer Jon Stevens on the Bentinck St lawn drew thousands of people of all ages, with visitor and Australia Day ambassador Simon Lewis observing that children loved “running amok” while adults soaked up the relaxed environment and great music.