Despite the failure of sand to arrive for the urban beach on the first day of the annual Whitsun Fayre, in Bury St Edmunds, the Bank Holiday event has been hailed a success.
Two days of dry, fine weather ensured that people were able to visit the fayre with traders, especially those selling plants and flowers, being exceptionally busy.
And the beach was the main focal point for the young visitors and their families with many staying late into the afternoon on Monday.
Moving it to outside Moyse’s Hall proved popular as it was close the helter skelter and Mark Cordell, chief executive of organisers OurBuryStEdmunds, said: “The flower stalls were busy and Monday was the best of the two days. We were disappointed that we were not able to provide the sand on the Sunday but everyone seemed to have a good time on Monday.”
The fayre offered a mini farm along with a flower and plant market, as well as artisan food and craft stalls on Angel Hill and free street entertainment throughout the town centre.
Children had their faces painted, as well as taking part in Sense-O-Matic experiments or an astronomy workshop. There was also the opportunity for people to get pictures taken with a Captain Jack Sparrow lookalike, from the Pirates of the Caribbean films.
Mr Cordell added: “One trader said it was the best fayre ever and there were lots of happy faces about and everyone seemed to have a good time.”
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