Warsash Festival on The Strawberry Field crashed through all the previous records of attendance, charity fund raising and community celebration.

A wonderful day, blessed with sunshine between two wash out weather Fronts. 

5000 people converged on the Strawberry Field which makes an amazing venue with a view of the mouth of the River Hamble.  Well over £10,000 was raised which supports the local community groups and charities which were represented.  We were delighted to welcome Shelley Jory, British Powerboat Champion, who opened the Festival at 1300.  Shelley actively joined in the celebration, judging the scarecrows, awarding prizes, and helping the day along.  The sense of a community gathered to party in the the field, celebrating such a diverse local life was tangible.  Visitors from far away complemented the vibrancy, activity and joy across the event.  "It was like those perfect English summer fetes which always appear on 'Midsommer Murders' " someone said. 

So, a big thank you to all the 60 local organisations and businesses which were represented at Warsash Festival 2008 for making such a success of the day.  It is hoped the activity and fundraising in which you shared has served the ongoing success of your group and business.

The crowds enjoyed the music provided by Warsash Band, Brookfield Jazz and Swanwick Lions Jazz Band.  Comical Theatre was performed on stage by the Warsash Theatre Group.  The Tigers Motor Cycle Display team enthralled the spectators with their dramatic stunts.  Dances were performed by the Locks Heath Silhouette Majorettes, Hook School children and TS Tomentor Sea Cadets Shanty Squad.  A parade of Vintage Cars and the Scarecrow parade completed the arena events.

BUSINESS SCARECROWS

In advance of the festival,18 scarecrows had appeared around the village.  Each was a fantastic character who looked just like they worked in the shop, builders or business they celebrated.  Judging was by Shelley Jory on 3rd July.  Congratulations to Deli Adriano on winning first place.  Deli Adriano were awarded the Warsash Festival Cup infront of the crowds at the Festival.  FE Chase & Son Builders Ltd and HJ Everett Chemist followed closely behind with 2nd and 3rd place.  All the results and a special gallery of the Scarecrow Competition can be seen here. 

SCARECROWS ON PARADE

Some amazing characters turned up at the festival and paraded around the arena after the opening ceremony.  They were judged in childrens and adult catagories.  For the children in first place was a whole crew of sailing scarecrows on their boat by the 1st Warsash Beaver Scouts; they were followed by 'Charlotte', a scarecrow brownie from 6th Locks Heath Brownies, with 'Mr Pots', a flowerpot man, from St.Mary's Church Hall PreSchool in 3rd.  From the adults, Warsash Residents Association 'Traffic Camera Officer' won the day having already slowed down cars on Warsash Road during the week.  In second was 'Lazy Lucy' the Land Army Girl by residents of Garden Mews, followed by 'Fiona', a sailor from Five Star Sailing in 3rd place.  Certificates of merit were also awarded to 'Charlie' by Friends of Holly Hill Country Park, 'Bob the Builder' from Victory Hall PreSchool, and 'Angel Gummidge' from St.Mary's Church Women's Fellowship.  Congratulations to all!  Click here to see all the scarecrows and the results.

Don't forget to join us for the next festival which is planned for 2010 - a day in the life of Warsash which truly is not to be missed.