Thousands of visitors enjoyed the sunshine and were entertained with a range of attractions at the Clare Priory Craft Fair.

East Anglian Daily Times: Willow work at the Clare Priory Craft Fair. Picture: STEVEN CUBITTWillow work at the Clare Priory Craft Fair. Picture: STEVEN CUBITT (Image: Archant)

There were local foods, craft ales, a range of children’s entertainment, music, dance, historic tours and exhibitors set in the 14th century Priory and its acres of grounds.

“Some of the exhibitors and visitors have been coming almost every year since the craft fair was set up enjoying a wonderful weekend and the money raised goes to local charities,” said Father David.

The weekend event is a special time in Clare Priory’s year and he added: “As a retreat house and a parish we have visitors all the time but, obviously, never in such numbers.

“The Craft Fair is always a tremendous draw because of the range and quality of exhibits and the friendly, fun atmosphere; it is such a happy weekend.”

East Anglian Daily Times: Children learning fairy magic at the Clare Priory Craft Fair. Picture: STEVEN CUBITTChildren learning fairy magic at the Clare Priory Craft Fair. Picture: STEVEN CUBITT (Image: Archant)

Children were able to learn fairy magic and there were all types of music from sacred 16th Century to contemporary.

Nethergate Brewery brewed a special Augustinian ale while local food and drink was enjoyed by the thousands who attended including cheeses, honey, fudge, ice cream, English spirts, local fruits, pastries, smoothies, cakes, cooked foods and many more

“There was a tremendous response to the invitation to tour the award-winning extended church”, said Auriol Lamb Cubitt, who was one of the guides.

“The tours went very well on both days, with visitors drawn from outside the region.”

East Anglian Daily Times: People attending the Clare Priory Craft Fair. Picture: STEVEN CUBITTPeople attending the Clare Priory Craft Fair. Picture: STEVEN CUBITT (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Ironwork being made on the forge at the Clare Priory Craft Fair. Picture: STEVEN CUBITTIronwork being made on the forge at the Clare Priory Craft Fair. Picture: STEVEN CUBITT (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: People attending the Clare Priory Craft Fair. Picture: STEVEN CUBITTPeople attending the Clare Priory Craft Fair. Picture: STEVEN CUBITT (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Brentwood Consort of Voices singing sacred music in the church at the Clare Priory Craft Fair. Picture: STEVEN CUBITTBrentwood Consort of Voices singing sacred music in the church at the Clare Priory Craft Fair. Picture: STEVEN CUBITT (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Morris dancers at the Clare Priory Craft Fair. Picture: STEVEN CUBITTMorris dancers at the Clare Priory Craft Fair. Picture: STEVEN CUBITT (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: The children and parents enjoying the entertainment at the Clare Priory Craft Fair. Picture: STEVEN CUBITTThe children and parents enjoying the entertainment at the Clare Priory Craft Fair. Picture: STEVEN CUBITT (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Morris dancers at the Claire Priory Craft Fair. Picture: STEVEN CUBITTMorris dancers at the Claire Priory Craft Fair. Picture: STEVEN CUBITT (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: One of the displays at the Clare Priory Craft Fair. Picture: STEVEN CUBITTOne of the displays at the Clare Priory Craft Fair. Picture: STEVEN CUBITT (Image: Archant)