Thousands turn out for Burntwood Wakes - in pictures
There was glorious afternoon sunshine as thousands enjoyed the family fun affair at the annual Burntwood Wakes Festival.
The event took place at Burntwood Leisure Centre on Saturday afternoon and organisers are reporting numbers of between 4,000 to 5,000 visitors – a significant increase on last year.
Revellers were treated to a wide range of activities and attractions including a fun fair, circus show, emergency services demonstrations and more.
This year was the Wakes' second anniversary since returning to its original stomping ground of the leisure centre, after it had moved to Burntwood Rugby Club years ago so it could be expanded from one day to three.
Chairman of the Burntwood Wakes committee and Burntwood Town Council, councillor Pam Stokes, was delighted with the turnout.
She said: "We brought it back here two years ago, it's our second year back home as we call it.
"It's been such a big turnout, we've been trying to work out how many people have come along. Last year we had between two or three thousands at any given time but I think we're looking at between 4,000 and 5,000 this year.
"We thought the rain this week might affect the ground but the drainage is so quick here that even the rain in the morning didn't deter it. It's turned out brilliant.
"There hasn't been one stand out moment but everyone was brilliant. All the charity stalls had an absolutely roaring effort.
"Everyone who I've spoken to has said its been absolutely fantastic and it was free for the kids which is what we were aiming for."
The likes of the Stafford-based Staffordshire Corps of Drums and Uttoxeter Heart of Oak and Stafford Morris Dancers treated the crowds to performances among others.
While there were dog shows, food and drink, football games and dancers.
Tony Harper, who lives in Burntwood, said: "I've come along with my family. It's been a brilliant day and the kids have come up from Kent which is great.
"We didn't used to come because it always used to rain. But the weather this year has been brilliant."
David Barker from the Uttoxeter Heart of Oak Morris Dancers, added: "We did two slots of dancing with our friends from the Stafford group. It's a good day out and the weather has been kind too which is fantastic.
"The weather was great but probably a bit too hot for dancing!"
