THE Whittlesey Festival was another resounding success, with more than 5,000 visitors during the day.

“It was a great day out for everyone with a full programme of events and many different stalls and attractions creating a real buzz throughout the whole day,” said Councillor Pauline Edge, the town council’s representative on the event project group.

“Children enjoyed the free face painting, puppet shows, rides and climbing walls amongst many other activities, they really were spoilt for choice.

“There was plenty to do for the adults too and everyone enjoyed watching the various dance displays and musical presentations including the Park Lane School choir which sang a medley of songs to entertain the crowd.”

One of the highlights of Sunday’s festival was the Romford Drum and Trumpet Band, a 50-piece youth military-style band which wowed the crowds with some spectacular performances alongside Peterborough Highland Pipe Band.

At the end of the festival they teamed up to perform Highland Cathedral - and the audience participated by marching with and wearing some band members’ hats.

Another popular attraction was the display of 24 classic cars - so popular that event organisers are looking to expand the display next year.

And there was an unexpected flypast from two bi-planes similar to Tiger Moths. They were a common sight during the First World War.

The festival schools art exhibition was also held at the Christian Church with more than 125 entries on display from primary schools and Sir Harry Smith Community College.

Prizes and trophies were awarded on the day of the Festival by Stephen Barclay MP, with Lydia Portrykus from Park Lane School winning the junior category and Holly Warrener from Sir Harry Smith awarded first prize in the senior category.

Another popular competition that took place was the Beautiful Baby competition, with the winner being awarded a complimentary portrait courtesy of The Studio in Whittlesey.

The Event organisers would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for their help and support in making this Whittlesey’s most successful Festival to date and they all look forward to building on this success for next year.

Mike Chapman, the council’s markets and events manager, said: “In terms of the feel good factor, this was the best event I have helped organised yet - and I have organised about 20 of them. It was phenomenal.

“We have got plans to make it bigger and better next year already, and these include using the Manor Field for an arts and crafts fair.”