A CENTURY ago, when Stratton’s parish council was still in its infancy a carnival would have paraded through the streets – a splash of summer colour to light up Victorian lives.

Now, 100 years later, smartphone-wielding families packed the field behind the Grange Leisure Centre for the seventh Stratton Festival – marking the 125th anniversary of Stratton St Margaret Parish Council.

While the amplification system blasting out pop music would have come as a surprise to Stratton’s Victorian residents, the drinks and the sight of scampering youngsters would no doubt have been familiar.

Nigel Chalk, manning the local history stand at the festival on Saturday, said: “There wouldn’t have been half the houses. This part of Stratton, a little bit of Kingsdown and around St Philip’s were the housing areas at that time.

“People in Stratton still think of it as a village. We think of ourselves as separate from Swindon.

“We’ve had people bringing stuff down all day.

"This afternoon I met a Polish guy who was a porter in the old Stratton Hospital for 20 years.

"He had pictures of the old hospital I’ve never seen before.”

Organisers said they had seen around 5,000 people attend the festival by 4pm, with more expected to come and watch the live music on Saturday evening.

More than 50 stalls packed out the field, with everything from food stalls to charities.

Coun Tim Page, vice-chairman of Stratton St Margaret Parish Council, which funded the event, said: “It’s been a fantastic success. It’s been well organised, well run and we’ve been very fortunate with the weather.

“It’s a marvellous community day and it’s much anticipated by all the residents.

“This is a way of bringing the community together and it’s a day out for families. There’s something for people from five to 85.”

Organiser Tracy Predeth added: “Last year it was so hot the dog show, which brings people along, had to be cancelled. And it clashed with the World Cup. But I think now people know what to expect. It’s a safe place to bring their family and children.

“It’s really great to see it like this.”

Revellers praised the community aspect to the festival.

Alison Dixon, 53, at the event with friends, said: “I’m enjoying the music, all the different stalls, the variety and all the people supporting different charities. This event is bringing the community together.”

Gary Goodwin, 62, said: “I’m with my family. I’ve been a few times before and it’s always a good afternoon.

“You see so many people you haven’t seen for a while and who you grew up with. I’ve met lots of old friends.”

Jake Mee, 35, added: “It’s an excellent event, very well run. It looks fantastic and it’s being enjoyed by all.”