East Preston Festival delight for twinning association

As hundreds of people lined the village’s streets on Saturday (June 8) to mark the 32nd year of the event, the twinning association was hurriedly putting the finishing touches to its festival float, entitled ‘Allo ‘Allo!

But the last-minute preparation certainly paid off, with judges crowning the team champions, awarding them the prize for Best Dressed Adult Float. They also praised the efforts of Roger Pizzey, who was hailed as the Best Individual Walker for his spirited performance as French barman, René.

This year’s parade had the theme of village life, with the twinning association creating a float to celebrate East Preston’s 35-year link with twin village of Brou, in northern France.

Gilly Boarer, committee member with the association, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled about winning.

“We have been taking part for many years and have been runners-up several times but never finished first.

“So to win two different categories on one day is brilliant.”

Category runners-up this year was Patient Link’s Maypole-inspired take on village life.

A total of 19 groups took part with blissful sunshine gracing the day – a stark contrast to 2012’s event.

For the full story, plus pictures and more on the East Preston Festival, pick up a copy of Thursday’s Gazette (June 13).