FESTIVAL goers enjoyed a weekend of music, comedy and dance in the sunshine as Mitcheldean’s Annual Summer Party returned for the first time since before the pandemic.

Organiser Andy Maliphant described the festival’s in-person return as “a really sunny success”, with the event having moved online for the last two years due to Covid restrictions.

The festival “started with a bang” on Friday, July 17 with a well-attended concert in the parish church, headlined by “local legend” Dick Brice.

The rest of the opening night entertainment was also well supported, including a launch party at the Brewery Tap with music from The Drift and an open singing and music session in the Lamb Inn.

Saturday began with the young poets and storytellers prize giving, with a first prize in the 9-11 age group for ‘The Wonders of the Forest’ by Jacob Davison of Mitcheldean Primary School.

The award for the best entry across all age groups went to Hailie Miller of Wyedean School, for her poem ‘Society’s Standards’.

Hailie’s name will now be engraved on the John Livesey Cup, which is awarded each year in memory of the competition’s founder.

A fete on the playing field was opened by this year’s “royalty” King Max and Queen Lydia, with cakes and other refreshments provided by Mitcheldean WI.

As well as “great” music from the Pillowell Silver Band, there was a cheerleader display by Mitcheldean Primary School and dancing by local Morris sides.

A display by a Balkan dance group from Sheffield was continued at the evening dance in the community centre, with attendees joining in their “foot-tapping” circle dances alongside more traditional English country dancing.

Later on Saturday, a recital by local poets was hosted at the Jolter Press, “where much cider was being consumed!”

Andy said of the recital: “It was great to welcome Gloucestershire’s Poet Laureate Ziggy Slug, and Dick Brice read poems from his new book “The Land Between Two Rivers”.”

A second concert was held in the parish church to round off Saturday’s entertainment, featuring “a wealth of local talent” including local singer Tracey Dixon with her new group The Long View.

And “the fun continued” on Sunday with a comedy afternoon at the Jolter Press, featuring a lineup of stand-up stars hosted by the “incomparable” Darren Hoskins.

Andy said “it had become too hot” for the annual folk walk on Sunday, but that as a result, more people came out for the final music and singing session in the White Horse.

The festival is organised by a small group of volunteers in conjunction with Mitcheldean Parish Council, the parish church, Mitcheldean Folk Club, Forest Gate Church, the W.I. and local businesses Bespoke Brewery, the White Horse and Lamb pubs and the Jolter Press.

Plans are already underway for next year’s event, with more information available at www.mitcheldeanfestival.fod.uk.