The inaugural event, which will become an annual fixture on the town’s calendar, was organised by Helensburgh and Lomond Chamber of Commerce after receiving funding from Argyll and Bute Council.

The weather held out until late afternoon on Saturday, July 19 – despite a cloudy start – and the market in the square did a roaring trade with some stall holders selling out before the end of the day.

The festival was initially planned to celebrate the completion of the CHORD works – which, as revealed in the Advertiser, will not be completed until the end of August at the earliest. Feedback given to the organisers was largely positive, although some residents took to our Facebook page to voice disappointment at a lack of activities on the Sunday and the cost of attractions.

However, Alan Trail, CEO of the chamber, has maintained a positive outlook.

He said: “Given the time scale for planning and booking events I think the organising committee achieved a lot in a short period of time. Of course there are lessons to be learned for future events, but next year we will have full access to the Square and can concentrate all the events in that area and along the front.” The new-look square provided the setting for the mini tennis in the morning provided by Chris Bowman Tennis and netball in the afternoon under the auspices of Helensburgh Netball Club, sand painting provided by Party Palz.

All the new seats in the square were fully occupied by people enjoying the atmosphere and buzz as townsfolk and visitors got a taste of what’s to come when the square is fully completed.

On the seafront, Maclay’s Civil Engineering Ltd contractors made an effort to open the promenade to the Henry Bell monument, before taking a break for the Glasgow Fair.

With the barriers removed, the lawns cut and the beach cleaned, it gave an idea of what can be expected when the first phases of the CHORD work are completed in August.

The emergency services display in the area adjacent to the newly-laid putting green featured a fire engine, and the police rib and bomb disposal robot attracted a constant stream of children wanting to have their picture taken with the equipment and service personnel.

Lieutenant Ollie Shepherd, from Northern Diving Group based at HM Naval Base Clyde is a bomb disposal officer, he spoke to the Advertiser on the day.

He said: “We get called out fairly regularly because we deal with a whole range of explosive things from flares that have been washed up on the beach to historical ordinates to the more high threat explosives.

“We are based up the road and have come down to support the local community and let them know what we do. We have our EOD robot down here and we are driving it around which is good for the kids to have a look at and we have a diving set for people to look at and see what we do in the local community.” The YOUR Radio sound stage provided live entertainment throughout the day with local dance troupes, choirs, fiddlers and interviews with participants.

The Toyota Roller Rink and the M&T Builders sand Sculpture workshops and displays were amongst the most popular events running on both days.

The Glasgow Roller Derby teams were on hand both days to give demonstrations, provide skating lessons and safety tips. The roller rink was three times as busy on the Sunday as were the Sand Sculpture workshops.

Mr Trail added: “If there is anyone out there who would like to help expand the offering for next year by organising something they may have felt was missing this year we would be very happy to hear from them.

“We would be delighted too to hear from any town centre businesses who might like to organise something on their own behalf to coincide with next year’s event.

“Our thanks to the CHORD project, Visit Helensburgh and all the local businesses that have supported the event with sponsorship, competition prizes and their time and a special thank you to the people who normally park their vehicles on the old Mariner’s site where the roller rink was sited.” The second weekend of the festival takes place this Saturday, July 26 with a farmer’s market, vintage tea room, children’s fairground rides, hog roast and other activities in the square and a craft fair in the Tower digital arts centre.

Line up for Saturday, July 26: Codona’s Fairground - Pier Car Park - 10am-late daily Buffet Shop BBQ in the Square - Colquhoun Square - 10am-4pm Victorian Childrens Ride/ Candy Floss - Bank of Scotland Car Park - 10am-4pm Craft Fayre in the Tower - St. Columba Church - 10am-4pm Farmers Market- Colquhoun Square South - 10am-4pm Vintage Tea Rooms - Colquhoun Square South - 10am-4pm Market Stalls - Colquhoun Square South - 10am-4pm Stewart Noble Town Centre Walk - Visit Helensburgh Clock Tower - 11am Commonwealth Games flag competition - selected shops until August 9.