Last held in 1939, the return of the GWR Children's Fete in Faringdon Road Park on August 9, was something to be welcomed, not just because it drew attention to the Mechanics Institute building.

Rock concerts are great for teenagers, but to my mind the kids' fete struck the right note for family entertainment.

Crammed with rides, bouncy castles, stalls and events throughout the day, what a great happening it was for kids and grown-ups.

Plenty of distractions, including live music from several ethnic groups, kept aspiring rockers on their tiny toes, and all within a safe environment.

The whole event seemed to fill a niche in the field of family entertainment. Even I was tempted to have my fortune told.

I must have struck fear into the heart of the fortune teller as I plonked my creaking bones into the chair facing her.

After all, her job is to read the future for bright young things, not the past of ancients who have already been there!

The day ended with a fiery bang as fireworks lit up the park.

It showed that families still know how to enjoy themselves without resorting to mayhem.

Surely this event is a must for Swindon's programme of annual events.

J S Hayward

Swindon