Dancers delight crowdsat busy English Festival

Crowds turned out in force despite drizzly rain to help celebrate Horsham’s English Festival and Broadwood Day of Dance.

Shoppers stood back to watch as the fun kicked off with a record number of dance teams staging a musical procession from the Shelley fountain to the bandstand in the Carfax for a massed dance display.

Putting their best feet forward were Morris men from around Surrey and Sussex, along with Scottish Highland dancers and displays of Appalachian dancing.

Meanwhile town crier Graham Vedmore strolled around ringing out Oh Yez as he announced what else was in store for the curious crowds – and that included dancing displays all around the town: in Market Square, East Street, Middle Street, West Street and the Bishopric.

As well as Horsham’s usual Saturday market stalls, there were hints of Medieval England – including a mouth-watering hog roast from the Romford-based Giggly Pig Company.

Horsham Museum in the Causeway hosted special exhibitions including the history of Leonardslee Gardens which are due to close at the end of next month; the story of Horsham’s Cramp family known for chronicling the town’s past, and a contemporary art exhibition. There was also a traditional mumming play for children staged by Clare King.

Attractions on Sunday included another step back in time both in music and transport. A number of classic cars were on show in the Carfax, organised by Horsham Rotary Club, and there were open-topped and other buses offering free rides to Hop Oast for a display of vintage Sussex buses, courtesy of the Southdowns Historic Vehicles Group.

A feast of English music, produced by Voice From The Coal Shed, included classic rock, songs from musicals and film scores - all presented by community groups and choirs performing at the Shelley Fountain, the Carfax and in East Street.

A fun YMCA flash mob event at the band stand attracted young and old alike.

Among those taking part and having fun were children - aged from four to nine - from the Phoenix Creative Arts group which meets at Millais on Saturday mornings.