All the fun of Morpeth fair; Visitors flock to town to be entertained.

Byline: Dave Black 

AMARKET town was bathed in sunshine and thronged with thousands of visitors yesterday as it hosted the biggest community event in its calendar.

Organisers of the annual Morpeth Fair Day saw their prayers answered with glorious weather in the early part of the day which saw families from all over the region flock into the town for six hours of non-stop entertainment.

Visitors could enjoy a bit of everything, ranging from a Continental market to demonstrations of how to make wooden sculptures using a chainsaw.

Organisers, the Morpeth and district chamber of trade, say good weather like yesterday morning's usually means more than 30,000 people converging on the usually tranquil town for the day.

Yesterday its main shopping street was lined with dozens of stalls and sideshows, there was live music on the main stage, a funfair, Punch and Judy shows, a Cumberland wrestling tournament and various displays.

The centrepiece was a grand parade through the town including more than 200 youngsters from local children's groups, 100 Harley Davidson motorbikes, vintage cars and marching bands.

The fun started at 9.30am when the Morpeth Clock Tower bell ringers announced proceedings, with the official Fair Day opening following 30 minutes later on the main stage.

Activities took place all over the town centre, including Bridge Street, the New Market, the Chantry, Oldgate, the Market Place and High Stanners..

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A GRAND DAY OUT There was plenty on offer for young and old as families flocked to Morpeth to enjoy Fair Day yesterday.