INNER peace and outer joy took over Trowbridge Sensory Garden on Saturday as well-wishers gathered to take part in World Tai Chi and Qigong Day celebrations.

Now in its third year in the town, the celebrations form part of international day where in each country at 10am local time waves of tai chi energy are sent around the world.

Instructor Brian Davey said the day went better than he could have expected with nearly 50 people performing tai chi in the town centre.

“The day went very well indeed and I thought it was a great success,” he added.

“It is the third time we have run the event in the sensory garden and the weather on Saturday was glorious.

“When I moved to this area, there was nothing going on so I thought I would start a group.

“I wanted it to be open and public but also accessible to everyone and on Saturday we had people come along and sit and take part if they were unable to stand and we had an age range from four to 90.”

The 61-year-old from Westbury runs weekly classes in Trowbridge Town Hall on Wednesdays and said the gathering allowed him to get the message out there of the benefits of tai chi and qigong.

He added: “The main thing we wanted to achieve was to let people known the benefits of tai chi and qigong and it is good for absolutely everything. The other thing was to make people aware that it is accessible and it is not limited to certain people.”

On the day, Maria Gonzalez tried to combine Zumba with tai chi and there was also a small meditation session following the main event.

Planning is now underway for next year’s event which will be held on April 29 and Mr Davey promises it will be “bigger and better”.

To join a session, contact Brian by emailing brian@briandavey.co.uk.