THE first-ever Faddle Fair in Coleford was declared a scorching success as people turned out in their hundreds to enjoy local arts and crafts, street food, live music, a micro-pub and children’s entertainment.

Organiser Lucille Fall, who owns women’s clothing shop Pomegranate in St John’s Street, said: “A marvellous day was had by all at our first Faddle Fair. The event was opened by local artist Mary Rose Young and we had 25 markets stalls.

“These featured local artists, crafters, food producers and designers and makers with street food provided by Mad Mamma’s Mexican Meals and the Forest of Dean Hog Roast.

“Live music was on offer from eight acts, including Becky Preest and Berry Hill’s Baldwin Brothers, and was hosted by the Dog House Micro Pub throughout the day. Puzzlewood staff came along to organise children’s craft workshops and entertainment.

“There was locally made cheese on offer from the Forest Deli and beer brewed by the Bespoke Brewing Company from Mitcheldean.”

The town’s Angel Hotel gave up their car park, for which we’re very grateful, and Kitchens by Design, which is about to open in St John’s Street, opened its doors for a sneak preview and offered a cookery demonstration by a master chef from Siemens.

As the weekend shaped up towards the hottest May Bank holiday on record, it was definitely ice cream weather and sweet emporium Sugar Sin were on hand to supply these, as well as hand-made confectionary.

A weekly market used to be a Coleford trademark and Lucille, together with Vicky Morgan, who runs home and garden accessory shop Moot, started up the Faddle Fairs to begin to fill the gap. Two more fairs are planned for the August Bank Holiday weekend and at the Christmas lights festival in December.

“We wanted to create a new platform for the outstanding artists here,” added Lucille.

“We are passionate about shopping local and supporting local producers and artists. We are a truly local market, with no supplier having travelled more than 50 miles to take part.”

The event was organised by Vicky and Lucille with the help of the newly formed St Johns Street Traders Association.

TheFaddle Fair has a Facebook page @TheFaddleFairColeford and for more details on upcoming events, visit www.thefaddlefair.co.uk

Booking forms are available for artists and craftspeople who want to book a stall for the forthcoming events in August and December.