AFTER eight highly successful and fun years, the future of the Heart of Devon Festival at Bow is in the balance because of the thoughtless act of one or two individuals.

The Festival was all day on Saturday, a lovely, fine day that saw families begin to gather and sit together as the afternoon drew on in preparation for the evening acts.

However, at around 3.30pm on Sunday afternoon a fire was started in one of the portable toilet units, which caused irreparable damage to the unit.

Thanks to the quick response of a local resident and the fire service, the fire didn’t spread to other units or adjacent mobile cabin. The cost, which is not covered by the Festival insurance, will be close to £1,500.

Mick Richards, Heart of Devon chairman, commented: “This will take away any profit we were hoping to make. Not the reward we were hoping for from the months of time and effort we put into the event. A very sad day for the Heart Of Devon.

“The police are asking for any witnesses to call 101 as soon as possible, quoting CR040903/16.”

For everyone on Saturday, it was a wonderful day, a chance to catch up with friends, listen to great music, enjoy a variety of refreshments and browse the many stalls.

There were two stages for the musicians, one in the village hall, the other on a lorry. Entertainment included Bow Community Choir which was formed about 18 months ago by the Heart of Devon. They also sang last year.

Returning again were The Sanders Sisters, Bow teenagers Madeleine and Connie Sanders.

There was a good line up again of vintage and veteran cars, motor bikes and tractors.

A fundraising appeal has been launched to help pay for the damaged toilet. Visit “Heart of Devon fire damage fund” at: gofundme.com .

Sue Read