A beautiful sunny day helped to make Farnham Town Council’s first Spring Festival a huge success.

Thousands of people flocked to Gostrey Meadow to enjoy an afternoon of free entertainment and live music.

The Festival, which was held to mark the Queen’s 90^th birthday was sponsored by Anytime Fitness and Trueman & Grundy estate agent. To celebrate the occasion, 90 green and white balloons emblazoned with the Union Jack were released into the sky above Farnham while ‘Happy Birthday’ was played by the jazz band, Harry Strutters Jive & Swing.

The entertainment began with an hour’s sing-along workshop, which was led by the Rock Choir. The feel good factor of the afternoon continued with an introduction to a dance phenomenon from the USA. ‘Sling Groove’ has been brought to Farnham by The Dance Movement and gives mums and dads a chance to have fun dancing with their baby.

Councillor Jill Hargreaves, Lead Member for Tourism and Events says: “The Spring Festival was a fantastic family day. It was really lovely to see so many of our local clubs providing people with the opportunity to try out new activities. We saw young, budding footballers taking part in a football skills workshop with Aldershot Town Football Club and people of all ages learning how to street dance under the guidance of The Dance Movement.

“For me, one particular highlight was seeing Farnham Town Clerk, Iain Lynch confined to the stocks while people threw wet sponges at him – I believe the scouts raised quite a lot of money!”

During the Festival, children had a chance to put their rhythm and coordination skills to the test by taking part in a Taiko drum workshop, which was led by the Potters Gate and Farnham Taiko Club.

The festival ended with live music from local band Elias Martell and for those who had worked up an appetite or thirst, there was a wide variety of beverages and freshly cooked food on offer. The celebrations continued for one lucky Facebook follower of Farnham Town Council, when they won a bottle of Champagne Royal Riviera Monte Carlo courtesy of ilovebubbly.

The Spring Festival launched the start of Farnham’s spring/summer programme of activities. The next event will be Music in the Meadow, which is held every Sunday at Gostrey Meadow between 3 and 5pm. Farnham Music and Drama will perform on 12 June and the refreshments tent will be run by 1st Rowledge Rainbows and Guides.