STOW Festival had crowds flocking to the Square at the weekend.

The event this year had the theme this year of ‘a celebration of Cotswold life, crafts and heritage'.

Festival-goers were able to follow the journey of a fleece, seeing the wool spun and woven by the Northleach Spinners and Weavers in St Edward’s Hall. There were demonstrations by St Edward’s Closely Knit group, the Stow Embroiders Guild and handweaving by Rebecca Connolly.

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Youngsters and families enjoyed activities including Punch and Judy shows, face painting and fairground rides, plus games and activities run by local schools, Stow Primary Parents’ Association and the Friends of Lower Swell School.

There were 40 stalls offering a range of food, gifts and crafts. There was also a charity tombola.

Other attractions included the opportunity to climb up St Edward’s Church tower to enjoy a bird’s eye view of the festival and the stunning Cotswold countryside. Stow firefighters turned up with their fire engine and gave visitors the chance to clamber in and out of the cab, try on uniforms and inspect the equipment used.

Live entertainment was provided all day in the arena, introduced by town crier Ken Brightwell. Acts included the Blockley Brass Band, the Cotswold Male Voice Choir, youngsters from the Corinium Guitar Ensemble and local jazz band Paige and the Red Shift.

The chosen charities benefitting this year were Stow Disability Group, Stow Alms House Trust and the Stow Community and Family Hub. Organisers say the figure raised so far is £5,000.

Dave Wiblin, festival chairman, said:“It was nice to see local businesses spilling out onto the Square and I think we achieved our objective of giving everyone a day to remember”.

The next festival is planned to take place on July 17, 2021.

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