Huge turnout for Green Man battle

More than 5,000 people visited The Clun Green Man Festival yesterday and the event chairman, Jack Limond, said he was delighted with the turnout.

He said: "It was absolutely fantastic, we could not have wanted better weather.

"Crowds were up considerably on last year and we had about five drops of rain throughout the afternoon."

He said the crowds were delighted when a huge red kite flew over the bridge as the procession was about to set off just before noon.

He added: "It was a beautiful spectacle. Crowds were up so much that I think I am going to have to arrange extra road closure for next year."

Thousands flocked to enjoy the May fair in the castle grounds after the battle on the bridge which included dozens of stalls offering eclectic offering of handmade goods. Battle re-enactments with Swords of Chivalry, Morris dancing with

The Iron Men and Severn Gilders Morris from Ironbridge, strolling entertainers, jugglers, jesters, circus acts and workshops, exotic pets, maypole dancing, and duck racing were also on the agenda.

Folk band Whalebone made a re-appearance at the event.

Mr Limond added: "This was the first year in several that we did not have sound problems. This year it all went perfectly well and everything was brilliant."

The battle on the bridge proved to be the perfect ending for a weekend of events which kicked off with a gig from TV comedian Adrian Edmondson and his band The Bad Shepherds in nearby Knighton.

"Everyone who went said it was absolutely fantastic and they really enjoyed it," said Mr Limond. "I think it was a big success. It was just a pity we could not have it in Clun."

The Clun Green Man Festival has been taking place in this guise for about 15 years but, explained Mr Limond, there has been a traditional May fair in Clun since around 1204 when the town was granted charter by King John.