HUNDREDS of people took advantage of the good weather to enjoy the resurrected Mechanics’ Institute Children’s Fete at the weekend.

The event, in Faringdon Road Park, featured live music and entertainment for children and was well attended, after its organisers were forced to cancel last year’s event.

In accordance with tradition, each child was presented with a piece of cake.

Daniel Rose, the chairman of the Mechanics’ Institution Trust, organised the fete.

He said: “We did not do it last year but the Children’s Fete was always organised by the Mechanics’ Institute up until the war and so we decided to resurrect it a couple of years ago.

“People always enjoy it and we try and keep it as a traditional fete, the kind of family event you can bring your children and grandmother to. Everyone enjoys the relaxed atmosphere.”

Mr Rose said the trust relied on the work of volunteers and donations to keep the tradition going, and, without support next year’s event could be under threat.

“We run it on a shoestring and in order to run it next year we very much rely on volunteers and charitable donations,” he said.

“This was a small scale event compared to previous ones.”

The Mayor of Swindon, Rex Barnett, who opened the fete accompanied by the Britannia Majorettes of Swindon, said it was important for the town.

“Obviously we need to thank the committee for bringing this back so we can all enjoy what Swindon is all about,” he said.

“I’m glad to see this park being used as it should be.”

Coun Steve Wakefield, a well-known railway enthusiast and historian, said: “I’m very pleased to see it open again. The last one was two years ago and I opened it as mayor.

“It’s great to have the tradition. Of course it used to get around 20,000 children and 20,000 slabs of cake. It’s a real kids’ event and I think it’s great.”