WITHAM enjoyed a dazzling variety of entertainment as the town's annual street entertainment festival returned.

Also known as the Puppet Festival, Witham was transformed by the free event as Newland Street, the Grove and Newlands Shopping Centres, and the United Reformed Church were filled with performers.

Some highlights from the day included the Walkabout Flower Pot People, Raja the Giant Walkabout Indian Elephant and the Cloud People Puppets who showered festival-goers with light “rain”.

There was also the Dapper Chaps who walked on stilts, Rebel Legion who thrilled fans of the Dark Side, Titan the Robot, and Granny Turismo, the world’s first and only shopping trolly dance display team.

Memorable - Granny Turismo regularly return to the festival each year. Memorable - Granny Turismo regularly return to the festival each year. (Image: David Islip Photography) Witham mayor Lucy Barlow said: “It is always a pleasure to attend the Witham Street Festival as it brings the whole community together.

“This year’s event seemed particularly well attended with visitors from both Witham and beyond coming to see their favourite returning performers as well as new ones appearing for the first time.

“We are always open to feedback so if you enjoyed the day and want to let us know which acts were your favourite or you have new ones you would like to see perform, please get in touch.

“We would also like to thank the organisers and volunteers such as St John’s Ambulance and the Community Special Constables who gave up their time to help make the day such a success.”

Wow - Giant bubbles dazzled the crowd as they enjoyed the performers in the streets. Wow - Giant bubbles dazzled the crowd as they enjoyed the performers in the streets. (Image: David Islip Photography)

Witham Council has hosted the festival on the third Saturday of September since 1999.

Members were also on hand and running a stall that offered free temporary tattoos to children.

A spokesman for Witham Council said: “Witham Town Council is proud to support and organise such an event, promoting local culture and providing entertainment for all.

“We look forward to the remaining calendar events this year—the Halloween Trail on October 26, booking necessary, and the Christmas Market and Light Switch On of November 30.

“Thank you to everyone who attended and make the Witham Street Entertainment Festival 2024 a day to remember.”