THE sun shone on festival goers in Stratton as the community came together to celebrate the third instalment of the annual fete.

The car park was filled to the brim from noon on Saturday as thousands of people thronged to the playing field at Grange Leisure, in Grange Drive, to take part in the Stratton Festival, which is organised each year by Stratton St Margaret Parish Council.

The free event was opened by Swindon Town manager Mark Cooper and Miss Wiltshire, Emma Briggs, and visitors enjoyed a range of activities from hair braiding, face painting and Colonel Custard on tour with his balloon modelling, to wares on sale in the craft tent and live performances.

Live music carried on late into the evening, with a myriad of performers including Soundbites, Ruff Diamond, The Ukey D’ukes among others.

The organisers said they were thrilled with how the day panned out and thanked the team who helped to bring the festival together.

Coun Joe Tray (Lab), the chairman of the parish council and the borough councillor for Penhill and Upper Stratton, said: "It's gone really well, I just want to say a big thank you to all the volunteers who turned out to help.

"It's an event for the community and it's brilliant to see so many people come out.

"There's certainly been more than 1,000 people at any one time, although the numbers do change during the day as different events and activities bring in different audiences."

Among the visitors were Vicky Scott of Liden, and Kacie Chesshire of Royal Wootton Bassett, who had brought along their families to enjoy the sunshine.

"It's the second time I've been and it's been brilliant," said 32-year-old Vicky.

"I go to a lot of fetes and this is by far the best one.  There's always plenty to do.

Kacie, 28, said: "It's the first time I've been. There is a great atmosphere and a great community feel.
"The good weather helps too."

Amanda Eglin had travelled all the way from Reading to go to the fete with partner Kevin Nash, of Stratton.

The 34-year-old said: "I am disappointed there wasn't a dog show in the end.  There is a great atmosphere but that's really why we wanted to come."

Kevin said: "Instead we've been going around admiring all the dogs anyway, and had some lunch before looking around at the various stalls. It does seem to be very well organised, though."

The festivities are set to continue next weekend with the Stratton Stroll, which takes place among pubs from the Kingsdown to the Rat Trap with live music performances.

For more information visit strattonstmargaret.gov.uk.