HUNDREDS of people gathered in Highworth’s Market Square for a journey back to Elizabethan times.

Adults and children – many in period costume – crowded into the town for the May Day Elizabethan Market on Saturday.

The town was buzzing as people enjoyed performances in the square, and all the shops in the High Street had stalls outside selling a range of classical and modern goods.

The celebration was organised by Highworth Community Partnership and the town’s Historical Society.

Partnership chairman Keith Smith said: “It was a tremendous day and the crowds were beyond our expectations.

“It brings a sense of community, last year was such a fantastic event we wanted to build on that and it is going great.

“There are plenty of people out enjoying the entertainment and that is only going to grow throughout the day.

“Everybody in the town has come together for this and it is great to see.”

Local singers performed madrigals and folk songs, crowds were entertained by a fire juggler, a puppet show, a miniature farm and Elizabethan crafts, including weaving.

There was also plenty of dancing for people to get involved with including Morris dancers, maypole dancing, a workshop in traditional Elizabethan dancing, and there was also a performance of Highworth’s own Urban Morris Kidz group.

Nancy Summers, 58, of Arran Way, Highworth, said it was great to have an event in the town which brought everyone out to celebrate what Highworth has.

She said: “It is a really good day that really shows off Highworth.

“It is the only time you see this many people out in Highworth and really making the most of the town.

“It is a great community event and with all the shops taking part it creates a really good feeling around the town.”

There were market stalls in the High Street offering traditional tastings and remedies and Andrew’s butchers provided a traditional ox roast.

Children were able to get hands on with farm animals and there was even a dancing bear – although not a real one.

In the afternoon teams from local pubs and clubs clashed as they acted out their own version of the Spanish Armada.

The festivities went on into the evening with Highworth band Missin’ Rosie, performing along with musical friends in the Market Square.