The 33rd Eccleshall Victorian Street Market, held on Saturday, June 25, was a resounding success with the weather and the crowds flooding into the town for the event.
The event was officially opened by His Worship the Mayor of Stafford Borough, Councillor Geoff Collier, and the Mayoress, Mrs Cathy Collier, who enjoyed the day visiting the various stalls and attractions accompanied by committee member Gordon Dale. 70 stalls from local groups, organisations and businesses filled the High Street with a wide variety of goods, services and games on offer.
Many of the town’s pubs offered additional food items for the day. The Staffordshire Austin Seven Club had vintage vehicles on display in Stafford Street. The Holy Trinity Church held its second Scarecrow Fest with 24 entries from local groups and businesses, including the Eccleshall Angel, an entry from the Ecclian Society. In the afternoon the church was filled with music from choirs and musicians. The popular Teas 2 Please in the parish room drew its largest ever crowd, offering homemade products and hot and cold drinks all day.
The Eccleshall Mercia Rotary Club’s art competition drew a large entry and the adult section was won by local man Mac McCoig. The competition to find the best stall following the themes of Victorian and the Queen’s 90th birthday – sponsored by Bowcock and Pursaill Eccleshall solicitors and judged by Rob Fearnley – was won by the stall from the Sacred Heart Church.
Salima Cherki won the Dr Harrison Shield for the best costume at the street market with a Union Jack ballgown which she made herself. During the day there was music and dance from Dance Fusion, Uttoxeter Morris Men, Gratuitous Sax and the Blackwell Concert Band.
Springfield Nursery’s monster truck drew much attention and the staff, in smart outfits, were in the town selling raffle tickets and promoting the truck during the day while their stalls provided attractions for the younger visitors.
The organisers wish to thank everyone who supported the Eccleshall Festival this year with sponsorship, events and general taking part in the 33rd biennial festival. Thanks to the residents and businesses in the High Street who did not park in the High Street on market day so that the stalls could be set up. The next festival is due to take place in 2018.
