Chairman looks back at a successful East Preston Festival

Things looked very different a year ago after the 2012 festival, when villagers were warned that unless new faces came forward, East Preston would lose its community celebration.

The warning did the trick, with many new members joining the committee, and their efforts and those of the remaining stalwarts were rewarded with virtually wall-to-wall sunshine and excellent attendances at most of the dozens of events.

Ian admitted: “It’s been so goo, we can’t believe. It’s been a success on all fronts.

“I’ve been busy all week, trying to get feedback on how we can improve things for next year. We are already thinking ahead to then and are being carried along on the adrenaline rush which has come from this year being such a success.

“It’s certainly been a turning point and the festival is now on a firm footing and will go from strength to strength.”

Ian paid a warm tribute to all those who guided the festival through its previous 31 years, including most of the old committee who stood down a year ago after many years of hard work and loyal service.

Among his own personal highlights this year were the Elvis tribute night on the first weekend, Saturday’s carnival parade, the Phoenix Big Band concert, the Jazz in the Garden event at Green Willow Care Home and a stunning performance by a six-year-old singer at the Arun Young Musicians concert.

“We’ve had a fabulous week,” added Ian.

“I want to thank all the committee for their enthusiasm and hard work, our new festival makers for their superb contribution, and the people of East Preston for their wonderful support.”