FRESH from hosting a carnival and street party to celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday and St George’s Day, the town swung into action again for its much-loved Charter Fair, on Monday.

Thousands of visitors thronged the town centre, which featured a mobile sound stage in the High Street with live performances organised by Haslemere Fringe Festival’s Paul Ashton, ranging from a 30-strong blast by Haslemere Rock Choir to displays by Haslemere Performing Arts, and maypole and morris dancing.

Outside the High Street museum, junior festival-goers enjoyed meeting the friendly animals from Kidsrome mobile farm, while inside, visitors had ringside seats for the annual town criers competition.

Haslemere Town Band ensured the party went with a swing from its base outside the town hall and just under 100 mainly local organisations set up stall both in the High Street and down West Street.

Haslemere-based Imbhams Farm Granary celebrated its 10th anniversary by launching a new multi-seed loaf packed with 10 different grains, while the town’s fringe festival helped flag up the headline acts of Chas ’n’ Dave and From The Jam at the upcoming July event at its packed festival bar outside The Georgian Hotel.

Fringe festival organiser Ken Griffiths said: “Haslemere Charter Fair is a fantastic occasion. It’s another event when the town comes out en masse.

“No other town does what Haslemere does. So many residents are happy to volunteer their services and help organise events.”

The Fire Station’s open day proved to be a big draw and the fun continued with a fairground in the High Street car park, a strolling stilt walker and pop-up magic acts.

Liphook Modellers Club laid on miniature train rides and a giant Scalextric was on offer at Proven Garage.

Hailing the 2016 Charter Fair as a great success, mayor Melanie Odell said: “Once again I would like to say a huge thank-you to the numerous volunteers for their able stewarding, bunting affixing and removal, helping with tables, marquees and chairs and their magical litter picking powers.

“I would like to thank the numerous organisations and businesses who attended the event, the Haslemere shop keepers for their support, St John Ambulance for keeping a safe eye on us all, Colin Denman for being our man with a van, Waverley Borough Council for the use of the car park, Waitrose for their support over the weekend, Christian Ashdown for organising the town crier’s competition which adds such colour to the day, Haslemere Town Band for their attendance, which is always a great attraction, Harris Entertainments for the funfair, Fernhurst School for the Maypole dancing and Fleur de Lys Morris Troup for making it a real May Day event.

“Charter Fair is well supported financially by Haslemere Town Council, and without that assistance the event would not be sustainable, so we pass our grateful thanks to the council.”