Monkey business at our festival (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Monkey business at our festival

Gorilla Man Stanley Sparks. Refs: 78771-54CROWDS lined Wootton Bassett's streets as the High Street Festival got off to a rocking start.

The Bewley Brothers opened the festival as they sang classic hits from the Blues Brothers.

And as clowns, jugglers, stilt walkers and even a gorilla made their way along the High Street, smiles lit up people's faces.

This year is the fifth anniversary of the festival and organisers were determined to make it the biggest and best yet. Around 10,000 people flocked to the town centre to enjoy the entertainment on offer.

Chris Wannell, the Mayor of Wootton Bassett, said: "I think the festival is a wonderful event.

"It's all about the community and the people living here.

"It brings everyone together. You can meet new people and make new friends, which is super."

The festival was spread across four areas on a stage adjacent to the Town Hall, in an arena outside Iceland, in the Borough Fields and on the High Street.

There were also street performers walking around in costume including comedy juggler Thomas Trilby.

Molly, eight, and five-year-old Daisy Reeves, of Wootton Bassett stopped to have a chat with Thomas.

"This is fun. He looks strange," said Molly.

The girls' mum, Angie, 41, said: "The festival is brilliant. We come here every year and it just gets better.

"It's a great thing for the children to be part of and I think events like these are a good way to bring people who live in Wootton Bassett together."

On the main stage, crowds watched performances from Route 66, Chris Rainbow and Explosive Nzakomba. In the Borough Fields, Scarrotts Funfair was on hand to thrill people with carousel rides and side stalls.

And families looking for a challenge took part in giant games of Pick Up Sticks, Jenga, Connect Four, Snakes and Ladders, Twister and Ludo.

Kate Steadman, 34, an administrator from St Andrew's Ridge, travelled to the festival for the second year running with her two children, Will, six, and five-year-old Emily.

She said: "We come to the festival because it is such a great day out. The children have lots of fun and I think it's a nice thing for them to do."

After meeting Derrick the gorilla and his keeper, Will said: "I'd have to say this is fun, but it looks a bit cloudy."