SUNSHINE last Sunday attracted a record number of festival goers for Fernhurst Revels - a major village attraction for more than 100 years.

The fun started with a colourful procession by Fernhurst’s new May Queen Jenny Melia with her attendants Lucy Dummer, Izzy Lockley, Jasmine Brimacombe and Bella Early, attended by garland bearers, page boys, heralds and fancy dress entrants.

The coronation on the packed recreation ground by village vicar Rev Nick Haigh, was followed by a ceremonial fight in which St George, aka Isabel Swan, defended her queen by fighting Mary Foong as Dragon the dragon, after which Fernhurst Primary School pupils performed an intricate May Pole dance.

The fun continued with the judging of the fancy dress competition with a theme of ‘Edibles’, which was won by a walking bunch of grapes.

Further highlights were the fun dog show, which included a musical sacks won by the shortest legged dog, Professor Dill’s Punch and Judy show, Tom’s Talking Reptiles, Petersfield Bowmen and children’s races.

An unexpected thrill occurred when a bald eagle from the falconry display went AWOL mid act when it disappeared into the trees, but fortunately was coaxed back later.

Heather Bicknell, Revels organiser for the last five years, said: “This is the fifth sunny event in a row, I’ve been very lucky. The bald eagle gave us a bit of a fright. I wouldn’t fancy that landing on my board table but it did come back.

“There were so many children in fancy dress it was just lovely and we had a record crowd.

“Last year we gave £4,000 back to the village and we hope to give our clubs and societies even more. This event is for the whole of Fernhurst and the idea is we can afford to put on a free event with lots of attractions. Budgens in Midhurst sponsored the Punch and Judy.

“Thanks go to all those who work so hard before during and after clearing up, without them nothing would happen.”