THE crowds defied the weather to throng the two day Morton Stanley Festival hailed as bigger and better than ever.
Featuring no end of stalls, marquees selling food from arond the globe and a stage featuring an array of acts both local and international not even the downpours of Sunday could dampen the spirits of the festival-goers.
“I think it just gets better and better each year,” said borough Mayor Councillor Pattie Hill.
“Obviously the big issue on Sunday was the weather but when the rain did stop everyone came out to enjoy the music.”
And Coun Hill got into the spirit jumping up on stage to boogie away with top tribute band Showaddywaddy Elite before an appreciative crowd.
“I think everyone was amazed by what was there,” she said, “there were loads of stalls, community groups doing their own thing, food I’ve never tasted before and of course the music.”
The event was officially opened by Coun Hull – moonlighting from a fund raising bag packing stint at Sainsburys for the mayor’s charities – before she returned on Sunday to chat to festival-goers braving the rain and soaking up the atmosphere.
Redditch Rotarians were also delighted with how the festival went, collecting £836 for their local charity for the homeless, St Basil’s.
“Through rain and shine, Redditch people turned up and supported us over two days, participated in various games, bought raffle tickets and took a punt on the bottle stall,” said their president Philip Roberts.
Meanwhile members of the Redditch branch of Rock Choir, who performed on stage, were also thrilled by the weekend.
“We were very proud to be part of such an amazing event and loved singing in front of our home crowd,” said their leader Christa Hugo.
“The audience were really appreciative and I’m delighted to say that the festival organisers have already invited us back again next year.”
