VISITORS flocked to enjoy a packed programme of entertainment at Fordingbridge Festival.

The event, which was organised by Fordingbridge Events Group, took place on Saturday with attractions filling the recreation ground.

Main arena acts included a display by Fordingbridge fire and rescue, a tug of war, birds of prey, a tractor pull, and rugby skills demonstration.

There was also heavy horse obstacle racing, which was part of a British Heavy Horse Driving Trials Club event. As part of this event there was also a timed five kilometre drive around Fordingbridge.

Prized pooches were in their element in the dog zone, run by Colfords of Fordingbridge, with awards for best puppy, waggiest tail, best rescue, and best in show.

For younger visitors there was a climbing wall, circus skills workshop,play zone inflatables, football skills, face painting, and more.

The festival also featured displays of vintage tractors and classic cars as well as steam engines.

The Rotary Club of Fordingbridge held its duck race. The winning number were 1021 (1st), 1601 (2nd), 1788 (3rd).

Nicky Jenkins, the chairman of the Fordingbridge Events Group, said: “We have had some really lovely feedback from the community, visitors to the festival, stallholders and from volunteers. We are chuffed that everyone had such a great time and we were blessed with the weather. We have already had some constructive feedback which will be discussed at our wash up meeting and plans are already afoot for next year’s festival, which will take place on the 18th July 2020.

“The volunteer team behind the festival has worked incredibly hard since the start of this year to put on this large event and I am really proud of everyone who has got on board and helped us out. It’s really great to know that all the hard work, late nights - and the damp, drizzly early start of the build last Friday - was really appreciated.”

Nicky thanked all the sponsors for their supporting, adding: “We literally could not do the festival without the help of our sponsors and we are extremely grateful for their assistance. As well as enabling us to put on a great festival, it means we can take any proceeds from the festival and put them into other community events.”

Fordingbridge Events Group is keen to hear from stallholders and organisations that are interested in taking part in next year’s festival and for the group’s Christmas in Fordingbridge 2019 event. Email fordingbridgeevents@gmail.com.