Villagers enjoy Stockfest despite "unkind" weather

Annual festival sees Stockcross residents out in force to join in the celebrations

VILLAGERS in Stockcross have defied some “unkind” weather to get out and about and enjoy a feast of music, art, culture and crafts during this year’s Stockfest.

The popular festival, which runs from August 17 to August 31, has seen a whole host of family fun take place in the village with young and old alike getting involved.

The first week of Stockfest 15 saw the Rising Sun pub host a performance from The Watermill Theatre’s encore group of Jim Cartwright’s a tour of the Benham Estate with morning coffee and a star-gazing session with Newbury Astronomical Society.

There was also a chance for children and adults to get crafty with a number of workshops giving tips on how to paint in watercolours, draw cartoons and crochet.

Families were then able to enjoy the Big Music Weekend with organisers recruiting a number of professional bands as well as local groups from in and around Newbury.

The canine residents also had a chance to join in the fun with a fun dog and puppy show also on the Sunday.

The second week was also packed full of activities.

A Charleston dance lesson and harp workshop proved popular and an ongoing scarecrow hunt invited festival goers to spot the fictional characters hidden about the village.

Stockfest organiser Viv Wilson said: “It’s gone very well this year.

“We’ve had so many events take place, it’s been fantastic.

“The scarecrow hunt proved very popular and we have also had children playing harps outside – where else would you do that?

“The weather has been a little bit unkind to us, but on the whole we’re very pleased.”

For more information and a full itinerary of events visit www.stockfest2015.moonfruit.com