RAIN did not deter revellers at Marhamchurch from celebrating the medieval tradition of the festival of St Marwenne, held this year on Monday, August 14.

Umbrellas were a big feature at this year’s revel, as locals, visitors and villagers flocked to attend the crowning of the queen, Kelsi Heyward, by Old Father Time, who gave his traditional speech in the village square.

Blizzard, a beautiful white horse, carried the queen, while the Gittisham Hall Jazz Band, led by Bob Manuel, with Graham Trevarton on trumpet, headed the procession around the village.

The Marshall of the revel, Felix Landricombe, a last minute volunteer, attended the queen, accompanied by Page, Tyler Proudfoot, flower girl, Cali Butler, and maids, Georgina Harris, Chelsea Tape, Tilley Rice, Bethany Horrell and Kara Tomkinson.

On their return to the square, the procession was greeted by bough boys waving their green branches. The regal party was followed by villagers all the way to the revel field, to be cheered and welcomed by the awaiting crowd.

The queen and her party took their places on the stage and overlooked the events in the main ring. The prizes were awarded by this year’s judges, Maggie and Mike Shaw.

There was only one entry to the fancy dress this year, so three-year-old Jennifer Parker-Crum, a truly beautiful Princess Elsa, took first prize. There were no entries for MFactor and a spokesman said: “Come on Marhamchurch, these competitions may have to close if no-one has a go!”

There were over two dozen stalls, ranging from the traditional coconut shy, tombola and hoop-la, to crockery smashing for letting off steam, a bigger than ever bouncy castle, and a new attraction — a mini Ferris wheel.

The revel grand prize draw and tombola offered some great prizes. The rain sent everyone queuing for shelter at the Bray Institute village hall, where its famous cream teas were served from 3pm to 5.30pm, and the royal party had a special tea on the stage.

Excitement, and huge numbers of water bombs, built as the entries to the traditional pram race assembled in the village square. In the junior class the best decorated pram was Mr Bean; second was AC/DC, and third was Bone Crusher. The junior race around the village was first, Mr Bean; second, AC/DC, and third, Bone Crusher.

In the highly contested senior event, the best decorated pram award went to the Dukes of Hazzard, second was Bathtime Boys — very convenient for the water bombing — and third came Racing Stripes. The senior race around the village was fast, furious and heavily water bombed. Winners were first, Bathtime Boys; second, Barrow Boys and close third, Racing Stripes.

The Buller’s Arms had a hog roast waiting for hungry revellers, served in the bar this year, in the dry, and over the road, Il Forno Pizza were donating a generous 10% of their take to the revel. Sheer Khanage entertained revellers with live music at the Buller’s into the small hours.

The arts and crafts exhibition in the Methodist hall was a wonderful display of local talent with some beautiful objects for sale.

This year’s scarecrow competition was judged by the public, as they followed their maps around the scarecrow trail. Winners were first, Superman, by Rhys Blewett; second, ET, by Claire Rice; and third, Minions, by Mel Walpole. Thanks have been extended to all who entered, with talent in the village evident.

All proceeds of the revel go to local organisations and Marhamchurch has thanked all volunteers, stall holders and helpers whose hard work have made the 2017 revel such a great success.

A spokesperson said: “Most of all, of course, thanks to those who came out to participate and enjoy the day.”

The presentation evening for other winners will be held in the Bray on Tuesday, October 10 at 7.45pm.