A RECORD number of visitors attended the 8th annual Stockton Heath Festival despite extreme contrasts of weather from sunshine to thunderstorms and torrential downpours.
The Festival Field was buzzing with activity throughout the Saturday and Sunday daytime with live music, exhibitions and displays, family entertainment and special shopping experience at the popular markets.
Scarecrows in the village in the preceding week included Alice in Wonderland, Little Bo Peep and her sheep in the porch at St Thomas’ Church, a nurse outside Stockton Heath Medical Centre and even
an undertaker on London Road!
A host of evening events were held in the festival marquee and other locations in the area. There were drama productions and many types of music including gospel, country, swing and the Mersey Beatles on the closing night.
Ian Simpson, chairman of the Festival Trustees said: “We are delighted with the continuing success of the Festival which is now established as a true community event on the annual calendar.
“A big thanks go to everyone who supported us, too many to mention but they include the local councils, our sponsors, local traders, organisations and businesses and, of course, everyone involved with the organisation and all our visitors.
“We are a registered charity and the only entirely voluntary led and organised event of such size, complexity and quality in the area.”
More details, including the winners of the various competitions, can be found at the festival website www.stocktonheathfestival.co.uk
Honour for founder
One of the founders of the festival, Cllr Tudor Pole has stepped down from an active role in the organisation.
But the festival committee is not letting him disappear altogether.
They have decided to honour him by making him the festival Honorary President.
Cllr Pole, who over the years an been an inspirational hands-on director and trustee.
He said: “The festival has been an important part of my life. I have seen it develop over the years and am delighted that it continues to thrive.
“I was thrilled when they invited me to be their Honorary President.”
An enthusiastic artist, Tudor has always helped organise the art exhibition – not just by hanging pictures but my submitting his own works.
It is particularly fitting that there is now to be an annual Honorary President’s Prize awarded for the work of art receiving the most public votes.
The winner will receive a beautiful piece of glass work made by local craftswoman Ally Noble, who has been selling her work at the festival for some years.
This year’s winner was Alex Koenig for a picture of his dog Pearly.
In addition to presenting the award, Cllr Pole won the first prize for his own painting called Country Landscape.
Pictured (right) Ally Noble and Cllr Tudor Pole
Members of Stockton Heath Flower Club
Stockton Heath artist Anita Young and her Spirit of the Pack exhibition
Action from the Festival arena
