THE sun came out for the Blaenavon Spring Fair, at which a range of stalls and events across the town centre attracted bigger than average weekend crowds.

As well as the regular flea and craft market, there were attractions for all the family, including face painting, a bouncy slide, and a small animal petting zoo from the Cwmbran community farm.

Deputy Mayor Rod Denley-Jones also opened a new shop called Quirkey HQ, which sell's refurbished items, at 12noon as the town had one of its busiest days of the year yesterday.

Cllr Denley-Jones said: “Seeing so many people out, about and enjoying themselves having ice creams on the grass in the good weather has been a real highlight.

“We have the spring fair and other events to show people how good the high street is, how different it is and it was just fantastic day.”

Organisers say more than 900 people were at the fair between 10am and 3pm, which was centred on Market Street with other activities also taking place on Bethlehem Court by Broad Street and local chapels.

The market included over 24 stalls including fresh cakes, jewellery, glassware and garden plants and even a retro style silver caravan selling craft items.

Blaenavon florist Stacey Grout said: “The children seemed to really enjoy it, especially the small animals from the community farm and I think it’s been lovely. We had the weather with us and it felt like the whole town was out.

“It has been a little bit different as we didn’t close the roads but it’s actually been better than before and with the new store opening, people seemed really uplifted.”

As part of the fair, Moriah chapel had an array of activities including a large Scalextric track, enjoyed by both children and young-at-heart adults.

Cllr Gareth Davies added: “It has been particularly good with plenty of people out and about. There are some new things opening up in the town which is just great.

“I really enjoyed it and the Townswomen's Guild were providing a bit of history lesson, it was unbelievable to hear that my house used to be a shop.”