ALTON’S Town Park Festival started off with blustery weather, but as the sun belatedly arrived last Saturday morning so did the crowds, bringing with them a festive atmosphere.

It all resulted in a successful day which saw more than £1,300 raised for the Rhiannon Trust.

A family-run event, run in memory of daughter and sister Rhiannon Earp, the money will be used to help children with disabilities, through help with therapy equipment, communications aids, and toys.

With the Public Gardens looking resplendent for the event, once again the Earp family – Peter, Sandie, Trixie and Bethany – pulled out all the stops to provide a fun-packed event featuring live music, stalls, crafts, fun, games, laser gun experience, tea and cake, Prosecco, beer, and burgers.

Playing in the bandstand were musicians Kevin McKrell, Simpleton Tunesmith, Band Wagon, 2nd Echo, Escape the Future, and White Noise.

And a particular highlight of the event was a sponsored head shave by Bethany Dye, undertaken by Bushy Leaze family support leader Ann Blackman and brother-in-law Dave Douglas, which raised a magnificent £1,200 for the Bushy Leaze Community Support Fund.

The Earp family have expressed grateful thanks to all those who supported this year’s event, be it by running a stall or game, by playing in the bandstand, baking cakes, and or simply coming to enjoy the event.

Delighted with the response, Sandie said that bearing in mind the costs associated with staging such an event, the only difference the family are hoping to make in future is that they will be looking for sponsorship, “so we can maximise our profits next year”.

To donate to Bethany’s headshave fundraising, visit mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/bethanydye1.