EAST PRESTON FESTIVAL

2024's Festival was amazing, a great big thank you to everyone who turned out to support all our events. Our ticketed events were all sold out, and we received the best ever entries for the festival competitions and children's activities. We were incredibly lucky with the weather and events on the Village Green were incredibly popular and well supported, the sunshine provided a real 'feel good' factor and we hope everyone enjoyed the variety of entertainment on offer.

 

The Festival kicked off with a half term Circus Fun Day. Children learned circus skills of juggling, hula hoop, tightwire, diabolo and plate spinning. There were rides, face painting, a magic show and a mesmerising fire show.

 

The Community Fete had charity stalls, Punch n Judy, Bubble Pop Man, a funfair and Ukulele Band. The George Michael tribute was sold out, and a full house danced the night away at the Barn Dance.

 

'Winston Churchill' gave rousing speeches to East Preston residents and those of surrounding areas who flocked to the village for a special D-Day event. As well as seeing a life sized replica Spitfire, we heard a performance by our own School Choir, were entertained by the Silhouettes, a vintage harmony trio, and disco, and yes, with more dancing. The food and drink stalls including a Pimms and Prosecco tent, were kept busy.

 

This year's Parade saw floats and walking groups in colourful and imaginative costumes passing throught the village and streets were lined with crowds of spectators to cheer them on.

 

The Festival ended with a Fun Dog Show hosted by John Inverdale followed by the finale - the popular Party on the Green.

 

Photos from 2024 now available to view here.

 

Of course, the Festival could not happen without support from our community. The organising committee would like to thank the Festival sponsors: local estate agents Brennan & Chatterton, Graham Butt, and Cooper Adams; One Stop Stores; Dean Jones Funeral Service; Jonathan Metliss; East Preston Parish Council; Kamsons Pharmacy; and SKB Reflexology. The committee is also very grateful to East Preston businesses who donated prizes and sold tickets; the pubs, clubs and community groups who staged their own events under the umbrella of the Festival; East Preston Parish Council for its help and the Festival volunteers. Thanks also to the Yarnbombers who decorate the village with their creations, and the people of East Preston for their incredible support and the way they always manage to create a magical sense of community throughout the village that lasts all year.