THE wet and rainy weather failed to dampen spirits as the first Epping Festival, which started yesterday (July 14).

Created out of a desire to bring trade back to the High Street at weekends, the festival began at 10am.

The day was packed full of activities and festival-goers were treated to displays of fashion, singing, art, morris dancing and food.

Throngs of people gathered at the piazza, despite the rain, to watch Funky Voices sing, a display of fashion by Wardrobe Mistresses and a Zumba workout.

Mum Nerys Williams-Murray, 40, of Sunnyside Road, brought her two sons, Hamish, 9, and Dougal, 5, along to enjoy the festivities.

She said on the day: "I'm very passionate about Epping and came along with the kids to support the shops and the town. We have had a very good time."

Rekha Patel, vice-secretary of the Town Centre Partnership and owner of the Clock Tower restaurant in Station Road was proud of how the festival went.

She said: "We just wanted to say this is Epping, we have got to love it and nurture it. If you don't use it, you will lose it.

"Next year we would love to see more shops get involved and doing this for themselves."

Barry Segar, head of the partnership and owner of The Hairdressers in High Street said: "Even with the weather it has been a great success.

"People always forget about Epping, because it's always Epping Forest, but we are the Epping. It's a great community place with community spirit."

The festival was put together on virtually no budget, relying on a neighbourly collaboration between the numerous independent businesses, artists and residents of the community.

Mayor of Epping, Jon Whitehouse said: "My heart sank when it started raining, but the festival has done Epping proud."

The day coincided with an open day at Epping Fire Station and the 40th anniversary of the Epping Society.

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