Picture Gallery: Thousands of people make Durrington Festival biggest yet

The festival started in 1992 and has become an annual event for members of the community to get together, promote local organisations, and ‘celebrate everything that is great’ about their area.

Tracy Bloxham from the Durrington Festival Committee said the event held over the weekend was the biggest yet.

With a new committee of just six people, organisers set a colourful ‘circus’ theme this year, with clowns entertaining festival-goers and crowds gathering in their thousands to cheer along the festival procession route.

“The Mayor and Mayoress, town crier and youth mayor joined in the walk through Durrington with festival princess Katie Froggatt,” said Tracy.

“The Mayor officially opened the afternoon and presented certificates for best in carnival to the winners St Symphorians Church, followed in second and third place by the Panthers and Hawthorns School, respectively.”

The Peter Bloxham Award was awarded to Paul Bailey for the photography he has done for the festival every year.

Tracy added: “Some 2,000 people attended the festival, enjoying our first ever dog show which was a great success, the Harris Traditional Funfair and stalls for charities, schools, churches and businesses promoting what they do.

“The committee wish to thank everyone who took part or just enjoyed the sun and entertainment.

“We will have a short break before planning next year - our 25th Silver Anniversary.”