Rain-drenched revellers persevered (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Rain-drenched revellers persevered

11:00am Tuesday 29th May 2007 in Leisure By Scott McPherson

Torrential rain and gale force winds didn't manage to dampen the spirit of the Chippenham Folk Festival as it got into full swing on Monday.

Despite the horrendous weather, hundreds of supporters from all over the world lined the streets to watch the parades and street performances.

Bob Berry, event organiser, said: "This has been about the worst year for weather but even that hasn't kept us down.

"The rain did manage to stop a few of the events over the weekend but our supporters came out rain or shine.

"The amount of support and community feeling is overwhelming and this year has been brilliant despite the weather."

Most of the planned outdoor events on Sunday were cancelled or rescheduled to be held inside the Olympiad Leisure Centre.

“This has been about the worst year for weather but even that hasn’t kept us down."

Bob Berry

The main parades on Monday were lead by new Chippenham mayor Sandra Oakes who made an official speech at the arena in Island Park.

She said: "This is such a wonderful event for Chippenham and even the rain can't stop us enjoying ourselves.

"It's wonderful to see so many people and I am honoured to be here."

Ex-Chippenham mayor Maureen Lloyd also attended the event in costume and collected money for the local folk groups, despite suffering from an injured arm.

Stalls and marquees selling everything from accordions to locally-produced sausages lined the park and proved to be an instant success.

Njarina Cambora, 42, who travelled all the way from Sweden, said: "I love coming here and listening to the music and the stalls have been excellent this year.

"I don't mind the weather too much as there has been plenty to do so it hasn't really affected my experience. I am definitely coming back next year and am going to drag my family along as well."

The festival kicked off on Friday when local schoolchildren took to the stage to join in with Morris dancers and folk singers.

From Saturday onwards performers took to the streets to entertain the hundreds of supporters with dancing and live music.

Morris dancers filled the car park of the Rose and Crown pub on the Market Place every few hours to perform traditional routines.

Anne Driver, who had travelled from Preston to perform in the street parades, said: "This has been one of the most unusual years for me as the rain changed people's attitudes.

"They went from being quietly disheartened to being full of excitement as soon as the rain stopped. The brilliant thing about the folk festival is that come rain or shine it is such an amazing atmosphere and that's why people flock from all over the world to join in."

Spectators were also given the opportunity to join indoor dance sessions at the Olympiad where they could learn traditional Morris or Irish dances.