MORE than 4,000 people came out for Andover’s first ever Shilling Fair, celebrating the town’s country market history in the sunshine on Sunday.

Donkey rides, arts and craft stalls and historical talks were among the attractions on offer to transport the town back to its Georgian heritage- complete with Regency dress-up by volunteers, councillors and stallholders alike.

The event was organised by FUSE Projects Event Management and councillor Barbara Long, who chose the shilling theme with the town's link to Health’s Bank.

Co-organiser cllr Long said: “It’s something unique for Andover, it’s been an absolutely fantastic day, lots of stallholders have come in costume and I think everyone’s enjoyed it.

“I’ve got a vision that in ten years’ time it’ll be as big as some of the other events around, and really put Andover on the tourist map.”

The free event hosted from 10am-4.30pm gained a £3,000 grant from Test Valley Borough Council and Andover Town Council collectively to run the day, alongside financial support from Andover Leisure Centre and Andover Town Centre Partnership.

The organisers hope to make the Shilling Fair an annual tradition.

The Artroom’s John Ritchie, said: “What’s really pleasing is that Andover’s got something happening yet again in the town centre, for the people, and they’ve come out in their masses.

“It’s nice to see the same faces come back again and again so they’re starting to learn there are things laid on and they’re worth coming to – if only we had the time and energy just to do it all year!”

Stallholders were also pleased with the interest and said they received sales throughout the day.

Wiltshire relish and pickle seller Rosie Humphrey said: "It’s been very nice, it is my first time doing an event in Andover and people have been very friendly. I've sold plenty and I'm very happy with sales today.

"It’s been quite fun being dressed up which is something I don’t normally do, some people have come up and said you look nice, and that doesn’t normally happen at a market!"

To get involved in Andover Shilling Fair 2018, contact cllr Long on Barbara.long@andover-tc.gov.uk