The people of Maldon took to the streets on Saturday, celebrating the long and proud history of their town with the first-ever Town Fair.

Thousands of people packed the High Street, which was closed to traffic from Market Hill to Butt Lane, throughout the day.

Shops and businesses, local schools and churches, joined in the fun, which celebrated 1,000 years of Maldon's history.

Jesters and jugglers, soldiers and storytellers, mummers and Morris dancers were all on hand to entertain the public, while famous faces from Maldon's past - Saxon warrior, Byrhtnoth, Fat Man Edward Bright and scholar, Thomas Plume mingled with the crowds.

Town centre manager, Marion Wells, who organised the day with market operator, Tony Collinson, said: "The first Town Fair was an excellent day. The weather was on our side and we had a perfect summer day.

"The event drew a lot of people and a lot of interest, there was a real community spirit to the occasion. It was just a brilliant day, we have all been overwhelmed by how much people participated and enjoyed the day.

"The Town Fair really showed what Maldon has to offer and what it is all about. The living history theme showed that history and heritage are still very much part of the town.

"We hope this will be an annual event now, in fact many people were asking on Saturday whether this could happen every week!"

Students from the town's Plume School played a full part in the day, staging a Victorian courtroom re-enactment in the Moot Hall and entertaining visitors with their interpretation of the medieval mystery play St George and the Dragon.

Entertainment was also provided by the All Saints' handbell ringers, the Blackwater Morris Dancers and members of the 17th century Essex Militia who set up a ''living history'' camp.

Byrhtnoth - alias Ray Webster of Maldon - meets Mayor Paul Rew and Maldon District Council chairman, Roy Pipe.

(Right) Juggler Matt Hennem.

Pictures: GARETH MORGAN

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