Earth Fair provides its usual eclectic mix of entertainment
A MELTING pot of music, arts and crafts, and food and drink, greeted nearly 3,000 punters at the Vale Earth Fair yesterday
The event, which was first held in 1976, showcased a selection of more than 50 musical artists across several stages, with a wide range of genres represented.
Compere and MC for the Castle Stage, Baron DenDen, was looking forward to a sunny afternoon of music – although a few hours later the weather conspired to let him down.
‘It’s beautiful, there are blue skies, the sun’s shining and we’ve got lots of people coming in, you can’t really ask for more as an MC.’
He planned to stay until the event’s close to catch some of the other stages.
‘It’s wonderful to see so much talent on show.’
Ross Attwood and Rachel Le Page were enjoying listening to pop punk band Bloomfield with their son Fenris, 1, and daughter Molly, 9.
‘I personally have come pretty much every year for the last 30 years. I love looking round the stalls and always make sure to get a beer,’ Mr Attwood said.
Molly said she was excited to see a band called The Bensons perform.
‘I’m looking forward to that, I’ve really enjoyed myself so far and I think we are staying until teatime.’
The castle’s arts and crafts area got plenty of attention over the course of the afternoon from younger visitors and their parents.
Volunteers Bryony Harris, Hollie Galliers and Lieneke Sprinks were prepared with face paint and stick-on tattoos.
‘It’s all free but we happily accept donations, and we must also say a big thanks to Little Rays of Sunshine Nursery, and Aladdin’s Cave, who kindly donated a lot of the toys and props for us to use,’ Miss Harris said.
Lucy Smale was running the Chill Out tent next to the arts and crafts area, and had brought along her two children Llewyn, 8, and Edith, 5, to help her.
‘I’ve run this tent for the last nine years, people love coming to have a look as we’ve got a bit of everything, from coffee and cakes, to toy instruments and tattoos.’
Ross Torode was teaching children how to create art from nature using willow branches.
‘We’ve been twisting the branches into different shapes and have made stars and dream catchers,’ he said.
‘It’s been great to give the children the chance to do some free play in an open space, all while they learn a new craft.’
