THOUSANDS of people from Corsham and the surrounding villages turned out for the town’s annual street fair on Saturday (15 Sept).

The event saw the return of Corsham’s Street Fair to the High Street and the Martingate Centre.

Organised by Corsham Town Council, it was supported by Visit Corsham and ran from 12 noon to 4pm. The town’s car parks offered free parking all day.

Cllr Steve Abbott, Chairman of the Town Council, said: “A good day was had by all. We are really pleased with how it went.

"The feedback that we've had from the people who went has been really positive. It has got people into the town and has given them things to do of interest.

"It's part of our effort to get people into the town and into the high street so that we don't suffer the fate of many other towns with too many empty shops."

Cllr Abbot said this year’s Street Fair bigger and better than ever, with lots of fun for all the family.

The crowds of between 2,000 and 3,000 were entertained with live music and dance on the main stage next to the Grounded cafe.

There were performances by Prima Dance School, Kyle Music, the Red Bandits and Viva Vocals, acoustic guitarist Ben Powell and singer/songwriter Jennifer Crook, as well as buskers in the High Street.

The Resonance art exhibition was open in the town hall, and Xpression Streetdance gave a performance outside the Flemish Weaver pub, which was offering free tasters all day.

Many adults and children took part in the fruit and vegetable trail with ten items hidden in shop windows which entrants were asked to find.

The main prize was a fruit and vegetable hamper donated by local greengrocer May's, plus a prize for the winning child.

Other entertainment included balloon modeller, Dave Hickory and the Little Zoo animals from Farleigh Wick, including two pythons, a meerkat, a three-banded armadillo, giant rabbit, a Chilean rose tarantula, African pygmy hedgehogs, a raccoon and Madagascan cockroaches.

People were able to browse a wide variety of charity and trade stalls, including hand-made silver jewellery, cakes, sweets, pictures, and arts and crafts.

The town’s pubs, cafes and restaurants were all offering great food and drink, including an outside barbecue at the Delicatessen, Bhaji Bites and the Box Steam Brewery.

From Tuesday, November 20 to Sunday, November 25, the Pound Arts Centre in Corsham will be running its Magic and Mayhem Festival featuring magic, illusion, cabaret, burlesque, visual arts, music and theatre.

Other events being planned for December include the Wishing Tree on Saturday, December 1 from 10am to 1pm, and the Christmas lights switch-on on Friday, December 7 from 5pm to 7.15pm.