St Albans Feastival hailed success despite wet weather

Mayor Jamie Day, his deputy Cllr Jenni Murray and the Rev Mark Dearnley of St Peter’s Church. (Image: St Albans City and District Council) Organised by the district council, St Peter's Street was closed yesterday (September 22) to make way for 100 stalls offering a variety of food and drink products from businesses in the area.

The day was opened by Mayor Jamie Day, his deputy Cllr Jenni Murray and the Rev Mark Dearnley of St Peter’s Church.

A live cookery theatre showcased the culinary skills of the city's chefs, while St Albans' business improvement district (BID) provided a live music stage.

Thousands turned up - despite the weather! (Image: St Albans City and District Council) BID manager Vivien Cannon said: "Rain didn’t stop play. Well done to all the stall holders and event delivery team ensuring visitors were welcomed to yet another successful Feastival event."

There was something for everyone on the day, with activities including edible flower growing, traditional wooden games, crazy golf and a football shoot-out.

The day provided fun for the whole family. (Image: St Albans City and District Council) The council's strategic director for community and place delivery, Chris Trail, said: " Congratulations to all those who were not put off by the weather and turned up in their thousands. I’m sure they will agree that it was worth it.

"The rain, which unfortunately was torrential at one point, didn’t dampen their spirits and the crowds created the Feastival’s usual thrilling atmosphere.

"Our events team anticipated the conditions and had arranged for many of the activities to be sheltered by gazebos.

"As a council, we are committed to making events accessible to all and measures were taken to ensure that was very much the case."

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The day was sponsored by St Albans-based solicitors SA Law, with their partner and head of family Marilyn Bell saying: "Despite the unfortunate downpour yesterday, the event was well organised, well-attended, and a delight to be a part of.

"It was great to see a wide range of food being offered, activities for all ages, as well as a great turnout at the cookery theatre where local chefs gave live demonstrations of their excellent recipes. 

"We are proud to support the council and the wonderful community events they put on."

SA Law sponsored the event. (Image: St Albans City and District Council) Funding for the day came from the government's UK prosperity fund, which has awarded the council's events team £210,000 over three years.

100 food and drink stalls were provided. (Image: St Albans City and District Council)