NEARLY 70 years since the iconic Pelham Puppets first went into production in Marlborough, a festival celebrating their history was given the go-ahead, no strings attached.

At last week's full town council meeting, councillors unanimously supported a plan to hold the The Great Marlborough Pelham Puppet Party, marking the company's 70th birthday, next July at the town hall, free of charge.

The party will run from July 7-9 and will involve a major exhibition in the hall and liver performances in Priory Gardens, including an opening parade called "The March of the Marionettes".

“I am delighted with the support offered by the town council who are very enthusiastic about the event and in supporting our quest for sufficient funding to ensure we stage the event and include a full programme of activities,” said David Leech, the official Historian for Pelham Puppets.

"It is always a bit nerve wracking when you pitch something but the feedback has been so positive. This is such an important part of the town's heritage and it should be celebrated and remembered.

"Many people have told me, "It is about time something like this happened," and hopefully this can deliver on that promise.

"I wanted to do a project such as this about 20 years ago but it never came to fruition. Now however this is very much a reality and I am very excited."

The company, which had a factory set up in London Road from 1953-87, was founded by Bob Pelham in 1947 over the next four decades, more than nine million of the puppets were made.

At the meeting Coun Justin Cook said: "As soon as I saw this proposal I thought, yes, yes, yes. This was part of my childhood. I would not have a problem giving the town hall over for free. I think anything we can do to support this fantastic event would be great."

Coun Nick Fogg said: "This has been part of the town for nearly 70 years. It was a firm that had international repute. I suggest that we put up a blue plaque marking Pelham's starting point in Silverless Street as well."

Coun Andrew Ross: "It is very rare that someone from outside of the town wants to support an event on the town’s behalf and I think we should put our full weight behind this."

The town council also said that they may add a further financial contribution if funds are still left over in their events budget at the end of the financial year.

This festival is separate from a Pelham Puppet display, put on by collector Peter Beaven, that was on show at the Wiltshire and Swindon History Centre in Chippenham last month.