The event brings the town together.
“Surbiton, enjoy!” were the words which accompanied the letting off of balloons to symbolise the start of the Surbiton Festival on Saturday.
The Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Penny Shelton, officially launched the festival at Maple Road Farmer’s Market. Addressing the crowd, she thanked the volunteers who have helped to organise the event for ‘putting Surbiton on the map’.
“It’s about bringing the town together for one week in the year to build relationships,” she said.
Stalls lined the road at the national award winning Farmer’s Market, which offers a wide variety of fantastic produce as well as raising money for good causes. This year money will be given to the Fircroft Trust, a local charity which supports those with mental health problems and learning difficulties.
Julia Elliott, from Sussex Smokers and VJ Game stall, spoke about the appeal the Farmer’s Market has.
“It’s the diversity of products, the quality of products that makes a big difference,” she said.
The week-long festival, which celebrates its 21st birthday this year, has many more fun activities in store over the course of the week. Events include a Variety Concert on Wednesday evening, a comedy chaser on Thursday and a Grand Charity Masked Ball on Friday.
Thousands are expected to attend the Grand Parade and Street Market on Saturday 28th, a particular highlight of the festival, described by the Mayor as a ‘supreme example of the community at its best’. With over 140 stalls, colourful masks on display and fun activities for adults and children, it’s set to be a fantastic day out for all the family.
The Festival Committee is made up entirely of volunteers and Chairman Bob Noble is keen to encourage new people to join to bring ‘new ideas and new energy’ to the festival.
For more information about Surbiton Festival visit http://www.surbitonfestival.co.uk/
Photo courtesy of Kotomi_, with thanks.
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