RECORD crowds, with visitors from as far away as New Zealand, lined the streets of Whittlesey to join in celebrations at the internationally acclaimed Straw Bear Festival. The fun started on Friday evening with a concert at the town s Ivy Leaf Club with s

RECORD crowds, with visitors from as far away as New Zealand, lined the streets of Whittlesey to join in celebrations at the internationally acclaimed Straw Bear Festival.

The fun started on Friday evening with a concert at the town's Ivy Leaf Club with singer-storyteller Sid Kipper, and Cajun roots music group Ock 'N' Dough.

The procession of the straw bears, complete with more than 30 dance teams from took place on Saturday and, after stopping at various pubs around the town, finished at the Market Place.

A storytelling session was also held on Saturday, with Hugh Lupton at the Methodist/United Reformed Church in Queen Street.

And new for this year was a music session at the town's library, with touring and recording folk musician Pete Coe.

Saturday ended with the barn dance at Sir Harry Smith Community College, as well as a Cajun dance at McCain's Social Club in New Road.

And Sunday saw the traditional close to the festival, with the burning of the bear and music at Sir Harry Smith School.

Event organiser Donald Crick would like to thank St John's Ambulance, police, council officials and "the good people of Whittlesey" for their support and work during the event.