April 27, 2006

THOUSANDS of people had a blooming marvellous time at Helensburgh’s blossom festival over the weekend.

The fine weather was a perfect backdrop to the host of activities and events which organisers feel made this year’s festival even better than the inaugural celebrations last year.

The event was launched at an energetic ceilidh at the Commodores Hotel on Friday evening, and around 7,000 people visited the festival over Saturday and Sunday, from as far afield as Moffat and Fife.

Visitors enjoyed the site of the blossom laden trees from wagons drawn by Clydesdale horses, which trundled along the streets throughout the weekend and proved very popular.

The main focus of events was Colquhoun Square, where the marquee housed a huge range of stalls and workshops.

The star guest was Jim McColl from the BBC’s Beechgrove Garden, who conducted a sell-out guided garden tour around the town and also hosted a Gardeners Question Time event.

The festival had a Japanese theme and origami workshops, Ikebana demonstrations and calligraphy events were among the events on offer.

The Japanese flavour continued at the Hill House where tea ceremonies drew the crowds, particularly during the fine weather on the Sunday.

Convener of the festival Anne Urquhart said: “It was a great festival and many thanks to all who helped make it happen.”