Saturday 2nd June 2001

            COFFEE MORNING and CRAFT DISPLAY. “A Piece of Mind” (King’s Lynn and District MIND) is once again running this event. Tea coffee and cold drinks will be available throughout the morning, along with a selection of home-made cakes and pastries. The work of the “A Piece of Mind” involves, amongst other things, making and refurbishing household and handy items. Many of these will be on display and for sale. There will also be a raffle.

            FESTIVAL CRAFT FAIR in Downham Market Town Hall. Margaret and Kevin Gardner are once again presenting this Craft Fair with a display of handmade items for sale. These items have been made by various crafts people from across East Anglia and some of them will be demonstrating their crafts. This Craft Fair offers an ideal opportunity to sort out all the family birthday presents for the coming year. Admission is free. For more information contact (01553) 810841.

            Photographs from the Baby Show on Thursday, by VISAGE, will be on view with instructions concerning their purchase.

            PRINCE HENRY PLACE COFFEE MORNING. The residents of Prince Henry Place sheltered housing complex, off Howdale Rise, invite you to join them for a cuppa and to take part in their raffle. There will also be a cake stall and a bottle stall. A warm welcome is assured.

            FESTIVAL ART EXHIBITION in the Assembly Room, Downham Market Town Hall. Your last chance to see this exhibition which has over one hundred paintings by members of Downham Art Circle. Nearly all of the works of art will be for sale. Admission is free.

            The Collectors World at HERMITAGE HALL. The penultimate day to take advantage of the special offer of 50p discount on the admission price for all who carry a copy of the Festival Programme when they visit. (One discount per programme.)

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FAMILY DAY on the HOWDALE

            FAMILY DAY is presented on the Howdale by Downham Market Festival Committee. There will a wide range of attractions for all to enjoy.

Refreshments will be available all day and there will be all the fun of the fair for you to explore on the fairground rides. Take step back in time and listen to the music produced by the fairground organ. Side shows and Stalls of all kinds for you to enjoy.

Car Boot Sale - £5 a pitch. No need to pre book, just turn up.

Other attractions on site during the day will include the Downham Playbus, Rural Youth Bus, Mobile Library (offering an opportunity for family stories and readings), Display of Motor Bikes.

ALLY the CLOWN will be doing some magic and balloon modelling especially for you.

All enquiries concerning Family Day events to Julie Davies, 01553 810675 or 07787 625403

Family Day on the Howdale - Programme of Events:

            DOWNHAM MARQUETTES present a display of their routines. This is Downham Market’s own majorette troupe and they will be warmly welcomed to the arena this morning.

            “5 to 95” a short demonstration of gentle (and not so gentle) exercises for all ages. There will be a chance for you to join in and then you will be warmed up ready for –

TEAM GAMES – With a Difference. Join Julie and friends for some fun relay games.

            CHILDREN’S PET SHOW. Youngsters are invited to bring along their pets, no matter whether they have shells, feathers or fur, need a cage, lead aquarium or vivarium, are small or large. A chance for a local vet to have a look at them, talk to you about how you look after them and then judge them. Prizes for best in class and best in show. Entry is only 20p per pet.

            ALLY the CLOWN entertains in the main arena. Fun, magic and foolery for all the family.

            FESTIVAL TUG-O-WAR. Since the early days of Downham Market Festival there has been a Tug-O-War. Today is your chance to have a go. Teams of 8 from your Club, Pub, Company or just a group of 8 friends can enter the competition to win the Festival Tug-O-War trophy. This is just a friendly competition so no need for spiked boots etc. Come and join in the fun.

            CAVALCADE of MOTOR BIKES around the main arena. You will have had a chance to examine some of the motor bikes as they have been on display throughout the day. Now the big question is “will they start?”

            FAMILY FUN SPORTS. Egg and Spoon Race, 3 Legged Race, Sack Race, Skipping Race and Hop, Skip and Jump – You have heard of all these races. Once upon a time you took part in them. Now is the time to take part again or at least cheer on those who will be taking part. Everyone could have a go at Welly Wanging.

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            DOWNHAM MARKET SWING ORCHESTRA under the direction of CY PAYNE presents their Festival Concert in the Town Hall. A good variety of swing music to set the toes tapping and the memories racing back to the days when the Big Band was in its hey-day. Downham’s Music and Drama Appreciation Society MADAS has arranged the concert. Tickets priced £4 are available from Downham Information Centre at the Priory Centre or from MADAS Committee Members.