OVER 500 people headed for Corbridge last Thursday to mark the summer solstice with a special event in the Market Place.

However, the sun neglected to shine on the visitors as they flocked to the second annual Midsummer‘s Evening in the village, which is organised by local traders with support from the parish council.

“I think we really lucked out on the weather last year because it was really warm,” said organiser Helen Stanton, who runs the Forum and Forum Kids bookshops in the village.

“But this year, it was windy and quite cold, so a lot of people came out, but didn’t hang around for too long.”

Those who did brave the unseasonable chill were treated to a host of special offers from shops, cafes and pubs which were open late for the occasion, while extra stalls lined the streets offering everything from scones and beer tasting to clothing and crafts.

Indian dishes, a hog roast, barbecue, pizza and doughnuts were among the street food treats being offered up by traders, while live music, community art, a bouncy castle and cupcake decorating were among the attractions laid on by independent traders.

“Because we are all independent traders in Corbridge, it’s nice to do an event like this to allow people to see the Market Place and the whole village in a different light,” added Helen.

She worked with Northumberland County Council and local police to ensure traffic orders were in place and the dozens of cars which park in the Market Place each day were moved to make way for the festivities.

“We did our best to make sure the area was made safe for pedestrians for the night and there was a lovely feel to it,” she said.

“It was really sad coming in on Friday morning and seeing the place crammed with cars again.”

The historic Pele Tower in the Market Place was open to visitors and hosted an historical display to mark the 50th anniversary of Corbridge Village Trust.

Apple bobbing, face painting and live music provided interest for the whole family and left organisers wondering how the event could be expanded in the future.

“We’ll have a meeting next month to look at everything,” said Helen, who hosted a trail based on the book The Tiger Who Came To Tea by Judith Kerr, for youngsters in the Forum Kids bookshop.

“It would be good to open it up in future to include more of the village.

“I know a lot of the street food vendors sold out, so the support we had from people was fantastic,” Helen commented.