MORE than 2,000 people turned out for this year's Seend Fete as new organisers strived to put a more modern twist on the traditional event on the Lye Field.

Liam Bergin from the organising committee said: "It was a lovely day. A huge number of people came to join in. The rain meant that we had to finish about an hour early but a lot of people were there waiting for us to open so we made the best of the weather."

Mr Bergin, who grew up in the village and returned with his wife and child two years ago, said a few lessons had been learnt. The committee decided not to run the fancy dress competition this year but that is likely to return for 2019.

But the lack of a contest did not stop fancy dress regular Doreen Munroe turning up in a recycling themed costume.

This year there was an emphasis on fun for all the family with the return of the tug-of-war contest and a play area run by Super Pirates. Mr Bergin said: "We wanted to bring back the tug-of-war to add a bit of rivalry and we thought it important to have free events for children.

"The Super Pirates were very popular and we will be inviting them back again next year. People paid for the face painting but everything else they did was free."

There was also plenty of entertainment in the main arena where Infinity Dance wowed the crowd. Experts from Melksham Rock n Roll put on a display and also held classes to teach people routines.

Seend Flower Show held on the same day in the community centre also drew a big crowd. Secretary Carole Vince said: "We had more entrants but fewer exhibits which I think was down to the very hot weather.The vegetables seemed to have have been more affected that than the flowers.

"We had 460 paying visitors which was up on last year."

Laura Awdry won the title for the best in show display with her entry that included giant sun flowers.