Wellington fayre attracts biggest crowds yet

The Hadley Orpheus and The Telfordaires choirs raised the roof inside All Saints Church, while Wellington Brass Band, Odd Socks Ceilidh Band and Two Blank Pages got feet tapping in the church gardens.

Meanwhile, down in Market Square, shoppers were entertained by dance and drama students from The Arts Centre Telford, followed by Jack Green the Jester and the Ironmen and Severn Gilders Morris Dancers. Costumed characters toured the town in the procession at 1pm while children tried their hand at bell-ringing in the church tower.

"It was a fantastic day and our busiest yet," said organiser Rob Francis from community group Wellington H2A.

"It takes quite a lot of planning to squeeze so much into just five hours, but from the huge turnout and the positive comments, it felt like it all came together."

Staged with the support of Wellington Town Council, Wellington Market Company and Parry Carver Solicitors, the modern day Midsummer Fayre is now in its 12th year.

It is inspired by the June fairs first recorded in the town’s market charter of 1244 and the costumed pageants of the 1770s.

"We’ve always wanted this event to feel rooted in the town’s history and identity," said Rob, "but it’s also about showing off the best of Wellington today – a chance to showcase our local maker businesses, our local musicians and the wide array of community groups that are the backbone of the town.

"We want people to feel the atmosphere and the energy and to have confidence in what our town can do."

This year’s event also saw the official launch of the Wellington Makers’ Trail – a series of 12 murals depicting craftsmen, manufacturers and creatives from the town’s past. See www.madeinwellington.co.uk for details.