HUNDREDS turned out to celebrate the first birthday of a Southampton theatre.

The £30m Nuffield Southampton Theatres held a community birthday party today, to celebrate the first anniversary of its opening, on Park Walk.

The celebration included large scale party games, such as pass-the-parcel, and a timed challenge to see who could pop the most bubbles in a sheet of bubble wrap.

Over 500 party-goers attended the celebrations, which also included a live dance performance created by NST's resident dance theatre company, ZoieLogic Dance Theatre, who danced with parcels and presents.

Sam Hodges, director of Nuffield Southampton Theatres said: "A year has gone past in a flash.

Four world premieres. Dance, circus, music and film for the first time ever. The best-selling show in NST history. And most importantly, new friends and new neighbours who are making our new building feel like a home.

"It was extremely gratifying that today’s 1st birthday party embodied what this theatre exists for.

"On the one hand, it was hosted and designed by the brilliant ZoieLogic dance company, a local dance company properly embedded in the city who are resident with us.

"On the other hand, the party was for and by the people of Southampton, with local choirs, dancers, and residents joining in the fun. Bring on the next year."

The birthday cake was cut and a chorus of Happy Birthday was sung by all revellers.

Inside the theatre, guests were welcomed on a tour of the venue, including access to places they weren't able to go before, such as the dressing rooms.

There was also face painting and choirs, and also jelly and ice cream for after the cake.

NST City opened on February 16 last year and has welcomed more than 62,000 people through its doors.

The theatre has launched four world premieres of SS Mendi and Billionaire Boy The Musical.

The theatre features a flexible 450-seat main house theatre, a 133-seat studio, screening facilities, rehearsal and workshop spaces and a cafe-bar.