A ROBIN reliant swept the mayor into The Square to open Stow Cotswold Festival.

In the spirit of Only Fools and Horses, and driven by a fishnet stockinged lady chauffeur, Ben Eddolls kick-started the biennial community event with a bang.

The day gave visitors a chance to sample traditional Cotswold skills centred on wool.

From petting Cotswold ‘Lion’ sheep and handling birds of prey to knitting and weaving, families experienced a slice of Cotswold life, heritage and crafts.

“People have heard about Cotswold Lions and really enjoyed seeing one in the flesh,” said Jonty Brunyee, showing two of the rare breeds from Conygree Farm, Aldsworth.

“They’re making a link to the heritage and then actually seeing their wool spun as well as linking the sheep to the taste by buying our meat boxes.”

Festival-goers followed the journey of a fleece to finished products in St Edwards Hall. Northleach Spinners and Weavers demonstrated the art of spinning, using wool from a White-Faced Woodland sheep near Bourton-on-the-Water.

St Edward’s Church Knit and Chat group encouraged new members and enthusiasts could add stitches to a unique crewel-work embroidery of Stow designed by expert Barbara Banning.

Lynne Rixon displayed felting whilst Stow Primary children wowed spectators with a flock of pottery in the best decorated sheep competition.

Youngsters also tested bobbins and laid pennies to make fluffy sheep outlines.

Other activities included a treasure hunt, Punch and Judy, guess the monkey’s birthday, face-painting and fairground rides.

Cotswold Alpacas exhibited a green woodworker and an observation beehive from North Cotswolds Beekeepers Association.

Some 40 stalls jostled for attention in a bustling market, including the festival’s biggest fundraiser the giant tombola.

Pitches included food, gifts, crafts and charities as well as local organisations including Stow Library and Visitor Information Centre.

Other attractions included tours up St Edward’s Church tower and a Medieval Trading Standards re-enactment by Alcester Court Leet.

Live entertainment included Cotswold School Band and circus performer John Hayns. Cheltenham band Monkey Jam played until 11pm to dancing in the arena.

Festival committee chairman Dave Wiblin said: “It was such a great day and I think we achieved our objective of giving people a fun day out whilst celebrating Stow’s heritage.

"It was a lot of hard work, but well worth it. Roll on Saturday, July 20, 2019.”

Profits are still being counted and will be split between the festival charities: Kate’s Home Nursing, Great Western Air Ambulance and Stow Primary.