BISHOPS Castle’s Michaelmas Fair last Saturday enjoyed good weather bringing out the crowds and setting the scene for next year’s silver jubilee anniversary.

“We have no accurate way of measuring attendance as this is a street fair with numerous ways in and out. We actually sold less than 2,000 tickets, though children under 12 are free,” said chairman Keith Whiddon.

“This was the 24th annual Michaelmas Fair – a fair that is, we feel, unique in its blend of traditional steam engine and vintage vehicle processions, live music, dance, children’s shows and downright weird and wonderful entertainment!

“Where else would you create a large piece of screen-print art and have a steam roller press it for you?

“This year we opened a new area for the fair with its own music stage powered entirely by solar battery and static bicycles.

“At the top of the steep High Street, our brand new roots music stage stood tall in front of the Town Hall and hosted bands and musicians entirely from Bishops Castle.

“The Fair has received wonderful feedback this year and we feel justified in hailing it a massive success! Preparations will soon start on our very special 25th anniversary Fair on September 19, 2020.”

The day included processions of steam vehicles and classic cars and other vehicles, and ended with lantern and Samba band parades.

Live music ranged from the Sean Gaffney Band and The Beth Prior Collective, to the Bishops Castle Orchestra and the Men From Off, with other attractions including Panic Circus and the Urban Gypsies dancers.