Problem solved!
Thank goodness we have found a solution to what was threatening to become a major problem. The Stone Festival parade traditionally takes place on the last Saturday of the Festival week and this year that falls on June 7th. Stone Farmers’ Market always takes place on the first Saturday of the month which in June just happens to be - June 7th.
The old tradition of the parade moving down the High Street was revived a couple of years ago and the Festival organisers were hoping that the Farmers’ Market stalls could be moved or relocated to enable the parade to use the High Street. We looked at various possible solutions but none was a practical option. We had therfore reached an impasse so David Turner arranged a meeting yesterday for all the interested parties to see if there was a way forward.
And eventually, after a very full and useful discussion, I came up with a suggestion which everyone agreed seemed to solve the problem. The Farmers’ Market stalls will remain in their usual positions. The parade will leave ABB car park as usual but will continue down Radford Street into Granville Square then out along Newcastle Street and down Crown Street to Westbridge Park. Shoppers and interested onlookers will get a good view of the parade from the top of the High Street and there will be plenty of good viewing points along Crown Street. We still have to clear the plans with the Highways Department and the police but I’m sure they will have no objections.
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