BBC Gardeners' World celebrity Rachel de Thame was the star attraction in Stow on Saturday as thousands of visitors got caught up in USA fever.

The celebrity gardener, newly-moved into a village near Stow, said she had loved the electric atmosphere as the biennial Stow Cotswold Festival marked American Independence Day.

In Stow Square, Stars and Stripes flew beside Union flags, Stetsons were sported alongside Panamas and hamburgers jostled with cream teas - showcasing the best of the US and the Cotswolds at the charity community extravaganza.

The town was also marking its unique Friendship Link with American town Appomattox, Virginia, launched by Stow and District Civic Society. Stow staged the last major skirmish of the English Civil War, the Battle of Appomattox Court House was one of the last in the American Civil War.

Visitors and locals donated to a mass ‘Sewing Bee’. All 128 hexagons were snapped up on a pioneering patchwork community quilt as a surprise gift for the town’s US pal. Rachel Surman, who organised the project with husband Nigel and expert quilter Stephanie Venn, said: “People have said it’s a unique idea and we’ve been overwhelmed by the keen interest and support.” Appomattox, marking the 150th anniversary of its battle with a re-enactment, sent its greetings to its Cotswold counterpart.

Fifty-two craft, fashion and charity stalls jostled for space in a bustling market. This included the buzzing festival giant charity tombola with a prize for every £5 donation and 50 star prizes over £25. Organisers Dave and Sylvia Wiblin rang in £1,625. Folks also enjoyed a display of American vehicles, an American tea party, show of American Civil War coins and flags and Stow primary school’s exhibition on Appomattox. A rodeo bull kicked off alongside a plethora of attractions including a craft tent, face painter, Stow fire engine, a best-dressed dog competition, children and adults’ treasure hunt, storytelling and magic man.

Live music dominated the stage and Gloster Gladiators marched through the town centre. The day culminated in a square dance in the Square with band Silver Bough, hot dogs and burgers.

The event launched the night before with a performance by the Military Wives Choir, Brize Norton, under the Music at Stow banner, and Stow primary school’s summer fete.

Festival committee chairman Maggie Deacon said: “We couldn’t have done without the fantastic support from local businesses which we hope promotes them and Stow. The Civic Society’s fantastic work will no doubt strengthen our Friendship Link, especially when we send the quilt. The day’s atmosphere and sunshine saw lots of people having a wonderful time and being very generous with donations to our charities.”

The event supported Stow Disability Group, Springboard Children’s Centre at Stow primary, Sue Ryder Hospice, Leckhampton, and the Sam Pilcher Trust.