ON a wonderful day more people than even went along to the Heart of Devon Festival at Bow on Saturday.

There was so much going on lots of choice of food and drink, plenty of space to flake out in the sun, two stages giving a variety of music through the day, good old country fun with the sheaf tossing contest, then all the classic and vintage vehicles with four and two wheels and stationary engines to admire.

The day was free, the only charge was £1 for a programme or for a parking space down the road.

As ever, more helpers would make the annual day go even more smoothly, especially people to help with the car parking. Anyone interested in helping in any way can check out the website or look at the Facebook page.

Several of the bands have played at big events, or are names to watch for the future. One of them, “Samba Marcianas”, aged from eight to 18, are from the Exeter School of Samba.

“Bootlegger’s Turn” had been to Bow before, another Exeter-based band. More local was “All Bar One” who play a wide range of music from Ellington to Coldplay.

Playing again at Bow were “The Sanders Sisters”, Madeleine and Connie, two very talented young ladies.

Then there was the performance by Bow Community Choir which was formed two years ago by the Heart of Devon. Excellent.

As for everything else, Bow surpassed itself again and found Zorb football, where the protagonists roll around in enormous inflated balls, trying not to turn upside down.

This came from Copplestone-based Inflatafun who also provided the big bouncy castle.

The committee of 11 people under the chairmanship of Mick Richards, is dedicated to promoting musicians and other arts in Bow and area. The committee work hard for the festival to be free with other events helping to raise funds towards the event.

Support by its sponsors is sincerely appreciated as are donations and anyone who can help at this or other Heart of Devon events.

Mick Richards commented: “This year was probably the best we have ever had. The weather was so good as well.

“Our biggest problem is not having enough volunteers which includes people acting as stewards for car parking.

“It is a free event, people give their time voluntarily to help. It is a real team effort and there are so many people to thank for their support in different ways.” he said.

The next Heart of Devon event is when the “Madness” Tribute band, “Badness”, visit on Saturday, November 18 to play in Bow Village Hall.

“Badness” is the official UK No 1 winner of the National Tribute Music Awards 2016.