Whitchurch Blackberry Fair draws the crowds

Held for the last 11 years, organisers said this year's event was one the best yet.

Thousands of people enjoyed a full day and evening of entertainment as the fair took over the streets of the town with a quirkyness that was embraced by those involved.

Cyclists donned tweed for a wacky vintage ride out while outside the Wheatsheaf Inn competitors took part in the Old Stinker Cheese Race.

And one of the highlights was the Carnival of Plenty will people young and old donning hats, fairy wings and painting their faces to join in the fun.

There was music throughout the day and night with talented bands of every genre and even a silent disco in the Bull Ring.

New for 2018 was the Celebrating Women even in the Heritage Courtyard. Workshops, performances and stalls were held to celebrate the centenary of some women getting the vote.

The street market did a roaring trade throughout the day.

One of the many community groups taking part was the Fizzgiggs community theatre group from Ellesmere, which will return to Whitchurch on October 27 with its play, Turbulent Times.

Richard Jones, who plays the Bishop, said the Blackberry Fair was a good old fashioned community event.

Wildlife was celebrated with events put on by Shropshire Wildlife Trust, the Meres and Mosses group and a demonstration of spectacular owls.

Nine year old Natalie Winchester from Whitchurch said she was looking forward to seeing the birds of prey.

Her mother, Elaine said: "This is a wonderful event. We moved here from Lincolnshire just over two years ago and we had nothing like this there."

Nine year old Jess Hughes, also from the town, said: "The mechanical elephant is amazing, it's my favourite thing."

Whitchurch mayor, Councillor Tony Neville, said he was very proud of the town for putting on such a large event.

"This is the 11th year for the Blackberry Fair and its bigger than ever. We are running out of space, there is something on every street," he said.

"So many people work hard and get involved, its great for Whitchurch."

Businesses also welcomed the event, many saying they had had a bumper day.

Charities who ran stalls were also full of praise.

John Gunn, president of Whitchurch Lions, said: "It is a chance to raise our profile in Whitchurch. It is our 40th year in the town."

Helen Triggs from the Fairtrade Stall said people had enjoyed learning about why Whitchurch was a Fairtrade town and having samples of Fairtrade chocolate donated by Sainsburys.

The fair continued into the evening with a steel band, street food and life music.