THOUSANDS of people flocked to the ever-popular Tadley Treacle Fair – part of a three-day feast of entertainment.

The Treacle Fair weekend, organised by the Loddon Valley Lions Club, kicked off last Friday evening in Saunders Field, with a performance by band Revoc Rocks, who entertained the crowds with performances of classics from across the decades.

Last Saturday, more than 100 people visited the venue to enjoy an afternoon of music to mark this year’s centenary of the First World War.

Families enjoyed the Picnic in the Park, bringing along their own food to enjoy performances of songs from the 1940s.

Live music at the event was provided by the Tadley Concert Band, Tadley Singers, soloist soprano Maria Chung, and tenor singer Geraint Thomas.

Event organiser Martin Spooner told The Gazette: “We tried a World War One approach to it this year because of the 100th anniversary of the beginning of the war and the 70th anniversary of D-Day.”

The main Tadley Treacle Fair got into full swing on Sunday, June 1, starting with a procession from Burnham Copse Primary School before the fair was formally opened by the new Mayor of Basingstoke and Deane, Councillor Roger Gardiner.

Attractions at the fair included a parade of vintage vehicles, a birds of prey display, mini-quad bikes, a rock climbing wall and plenty more for all the family.

Barry Germain, secretary of the Lions, said the event was a great success.

He said: “We had thousands of people come along and it was a really good event – we were very lucky with the weather.”

The Loddon Valley Lions were presented with a Good Citizens Award at the event by Tadley Town Council chairman Cllr David Leeks, who praised the group for all the work they do for the area.

Cllr Leeks said: “They do a sterling job, and we are very grateful for all that they do for Tadley.”

Mr Germain thanked the many local volunteers who helped at the event, as well as the Tadley businesses which provide sponsorship, saying: “Without them, there wouldn’t be a Treacle Fair.”

Last year, the event raised around £10,000 for local causes, and though the money is still being counted, organisers hope to have raised a similar amount this year.