VISITORS flocked to an annual event which basked in early summer sunshine.

Down Grange was the site for this year’s Rotary Family Festival, with families turning out in force to enjoy the event.

The Rotary Club of Basingstoke held the festival over the weekend, where families could come and enjoy themselves, and take advantage of the opportunity to play some games, and take part in fun activities.

A guest from Brighton came to do the Punch and Judy Show for the sixtieth year while children from Spotlight, a performing arts charity in Popley, were invited to the event, where they were able to join in certain activities for free.

For example, they were given a free ride on the dodgems from the John Searle Fun Fair.

The Clive Fortune Big Band were playing, with a birds of prey demonstration and a performance from the Spotlight dancers themselves also on offer.

The festival was one of the first occasions for new mayor of Basingstoke and Deane, Councillor Sean Keating, and new mayoress Gwen Keating.

There were many stalls and games run by charities and organisations over the course of the weekend, raising hundreds of pounds.