PICTURES: East Preston Festival shines in the sun

Bradley Bullimore, eight, gives Maisie Rose, seven, a soaking. Pictures: Kate Shemilt

Now in its 35th year, the festival began with a bang – or rather a punch – on Friday afternoon as families crowded into the garden of the Seaview Hotel to watch a Punch and Judy show presented by Victorian-themed showman Billy Biggs.

The theme of the annual scarecrow competition was children’s fiction and was won by Austin, Scarlet and Mathew Turner of Willowhayne Avenue with their entry, ‘Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory’.

The festival barn dance on Saturday night was a sell-out as locals danced the night away and crowds flocked to the Party on the Green on Sunday in blazing sunshine to enjoy the hog roast, a real ale marquee, live music and to cheer on the tug of war competition.

The Party on the Green event drew large crowds

The year’s winning team was the Tudor Tavern, with The Royal British Legion Club as runners up.

Tony Brennan, vice chairman of the The Royal British Legion Club who organises the Party on the Green event, said it was a huge success. “Volunteers worked tirelessly for months to ensure the party was a success for all who attended on the day.

“This year the event took place on Sunday June 5, and as this was just before the D-Day anniversary celebrations we invited some local WWII veterans to come and enjoy the day with food supplied by Pebbles Catering and musical entertainment from Swingtime Sweethearts who sang a collection of wartime songs.”

The fun continues with more events this weekend including a fashion show and the carnival parade on Saturday starting at 1pm.

Full details of all festival events are on eastprestonvillage.co.uk.