In pictures: third Cottonmill Gathering is the biggest and best to date

More than 1,000 people flocked to the third annual Cottonmill Gathering, a free family-focused community event organised entirely by volunteers from the Sopwell Residents Association.

Special guests at the Cottonmill Community and Cycle Centre included St Albans Mayor Cllr Matt Fisher and Herts county council chairman Sandy Walkington.

Children enjoyed bungee jumping, tea-cup rides at the Fairground, soft archery from the Scouts, football with Leeanna’s Wish, or could shelter in the Story Tent for some quiet time and shade. Some of the most popular attractions were the mini-railway train ride and music stage, which this year featured performances from Mia Wildman, Lydia Hollingsworth, The Blue Velvet Line Dancers, Silver Larks, Laila, Sopwell Singers, The Purple All-Stars and Old London Road Pre-School.

There were more than 30 stalls from local businesses, charities, and community groups, including the Ver Valley stall with imaginative displays showing aspects of the River Ver, and the work done to protect it from pollution and litter. There were sweet and cake stalls, arts and crafts, and information from Sopwell Ready, a local group helping the community prepare for all kinds of possible emergencies.

The festival was made possible by the sponsorship of Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline, Rise Legal, Herts Vision Loss, St Albans Lions and the Small Solar Company.

Solicitor Jeremy Garson, director of Rise Legal said: “What a super afternoon it was. We really enjoyed it and were so happy to have been part of it and to have supported you.”

Organiser Elaine Rainsford, from the Sopwell Residents Association event team, said: “The Cottonmill Gathering is so important to this community. We love bringing them together, the smiles on their faces make all the organising so worth it. We’ve already started organising next year’s event on Sunday June 27! A date for your diary!”

Sopwell resident Sharon Linney said: “The event attracted all age ranges and people came from all over. But everyone I spoke to said the same thing, what a lovely family friendly community vibe they felt and it gets better every year. “

Gail Jackson, chair of Sopwell Residents Association, added: “The whole day was filled with warmth, love and passion for the community coming together. It was a place to experience the richness of our diverse community with such a variety of stuff going on – from the local Sopwell Community Choir, Henna hand-painting, great rescued food from the St Albans Community Pantry, and such a great performance from the Purple All-Stars!

“Our committee member, Elaine Rainsford, is the powerhouse behind a brilliant team of volunteers who make-up the Sopwell Residents Association Events Team who create the magic of The Cottonmill Gathering.”

All photos by John Andrews.