A FESTIVAL celebrating the growing of cucumbers and other salad crops has grown in popularity in its second year.
About 4,000 people are thought to have flocked to the Great British Cucumber Festival in Waltham Abbey on Saturday, which was officially opened by Hattie Hayridge, who played Hollie in the sci-fi series Red Dwarf.
They had a chance to meet the farmers who grow the crops within a few miles of the town and take part in the cucumber relay and other activities.
Stephen Hedderly, chairman of the festival’s organising committee, said: “This year, we extended it, so it started at 10am and went through until 4pm, so there were an extra two hours.
“During the relays, the area at the edge of the arena was three people deep at one stage, with people trying to see what was going on.
“There were 40 or 50 stalls, so there was a great deal to do. We tried to focus on families.”
The committee is now counting the money raised by the event, which will go towards three charities serving the district.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here