Local festival with a big heart
The Axe Vale Festival raised the standard once again for 2016.
Much loved by locals and visitors, the entertainment this year took the festival into another league with a mix of forestry skills courtesy of Adams Axmen, courage, teamwork and entertainment from the Rockwood Dogs Display team and the awe inspiring Adrenaline Tour motorcycle and quad bike stunt show which had everyone gasping as Jason Smyth repeatedly took to the air executing incredible leaps.
When the crowd weren’t enthralled by the events in the main arena their attention was drawn to the many trade stands that were doing brisk business as shoppers loved browsing the wide selection of wares not found on any high street – with high acclaim reserved for the many stalls selling hand-made goodies and local produce.
The good old British weather played its part with a few showers over the weekend, but that still didn’t dampen the spirits of the visitors that found shelter and pleasure in the special interest marquees that showcased toys and hobbies, antiques, crafts and floral displays. The food hall was also highly applauded and many went home with bags bursting with delicious, local delights.
But what makes this show so special is its big heart. The show is run by volunteers and all proceeds go towards local organisations that serve the community. It has become a firm fixture in the local calendar, a place where friends and family meet up and spend the day together, everyone seems friendly and relaxed and young and old come together to celebrate the great, the good, the quirky and the downright strange things that can only be found at this truly unique festival in the heart of Axminster.
2016 winning exhibitors:
Floral Marquee
Best in Show: Devon Libraries
Large Gold: Chrysanthemums Direct, Devon Libraries
Gold: Garden of Japan, Garside Cacti, Hardy Plant Society, Kerton Sweet Peas
Silver Gilt: Dulford Nursery, Fox Plants, Gardeners Delight Nursery, Lockyer Fuchsias Silver: New Forest Hostas
Antiques Shields
Most Desirable Table: Severn Beach Antiques
Quirkiest Item: T J Collectables
Charity Exhibitor, Axe Skips Trophy
Winner: Axe River W I
Highly Commended: RNLI Lyme Regis
Craft Marquee, Craft Cup
Winner: Nikki’s Totes
Highly Commended: Blueberry Glass
Demonstrator, McKinleys Trophy
Winner: Helen G Beads
Highly Commended: Axminster Art Society
Food Hall, Keith Berry Plate
Winner: Georgie Porgie
Highly Commended: From Harry Confectionery
Outside Nurseries, Chairman’s Cup
Winner: Sunray Plants
Highly Commended: Jointly Charlton Orchards, Millwood Plants
Small Gardens, New Award
Winner: Axminster Allotment Association
Highly Commended: Westcrete
Small is Beautiful, Swarbrick-Silver Trophy
Winner: Sophie’s Bags and Hearts
Highly Commended: Helen Workman Art
Trade Exhibitor, David Swarbrick Rose Bowl
Winner: Trevor Salway-Roberts
Highly Commended: Culmstock Chillies
The organisers wish to thank all that came, visitors, exhibitors, judges and all the volunteers who help to make it all happen. Next year’s show? The 17th and 18th June 2017 – save the date!
