Street festival draws big crowds

Chairman Graham Porter said: 'There were more than 100 stalls, at one point the park and ride car park at the market was full with three mini-buses ferrying passengers to and from the High Street and traders selling foodstuffs sold out completely.

'We had more visitors than we have ever had before and stallholders are over the moon about how well the day went.'

Graham, who took over as chairman last year, said as each year goes by organisers make subtle changes to improve the running of the event both for those who visit and those who take part.

This year the range of entertainment was widened to include music for all tastes, ranging from African drumming and pop groups to traditional jazz and the Haysden String Quartet.

To ensure the whole community felt included the Heathfield Silver Band began its parade at the fire station and marched along the High Street and down Station Road before taking up their position at the bandstand.

Musicians also set groups up outside the parish council offices in the centre of the town.

Three mini-buses (and there will be two more next year) dropped passengers in the High Street so they had the opportunity to visit shops and restaurants.

East Sussex Fire and Rescue staged an open day with period fire engines, pre-war costumes (complete with brass hats) and a demonstration of firefighting.

Street performances such as Marcos Magic, Tim Bat and the Andy Bosco circus workshop drew huge, appreciative crowds while costumed visitors from twin town Forges les Eaux staged a charming dance to an enthusiastic audience.

Foodsellers sold out of cheeses, beer, garlic, fruit and patisserie with traders from Forges les Eaux, Dieppe and Heathfield itself selling clothes, leatherwear, jewellery, scented soaps, lavender and local produce.

Graham went on: 'The Fire Brigade pulled all the stops out with their old fire engine and record crowds.

'People come from as far afield as Crawley but it's not just the big names that put up stalls - we had displays from local groups like the lifeboat people.

'We don't make a huge profit as it costs more to put on each year but what we do make we like to distribute to these local organisations.

'This is a village event and we want the community to benefit.'