Dogs on the catwalk and freaky talents on display as hundreds enjoy Fairlop Fair
There was plenty to keep young and old bust at the fair - Credit: citizenside.com
Fire-breathing, freaky vegetables and dolled-up pets helped bring back that 1725 vibe to the annual Fairlop Fair on Saturday.
There was plenty to keep young and old bust at the fair - Credit: citizenside.com
In the blazing sunshine, people came in their droves to soak up the fun at games in Fairlop Waters County Park, Forest Road, Barkingside.
There was plenty to keep young and old bust at the fair - Credit: citizenside.com
The 18th century fair, which was revived last year after a more than 100-year absence, aimed to bring good old-fashioned fun and games to Barkingside.
There was plenty to keep young and old bust at the fair - Credit: citizenside.com
Mimicking the spirit of the original fair, the 2013 incarnation included traditional swing boats and rides, old English games, folk music, traditional dance, rowing boats, cupcake decorating and a tea party.
There was plenty to keep young and old bust at the fair - Credit: citizenside.com
And the “freaks” among us had a chance to get some praise, with people being encouraged to share their freaky talent, or freakishly odd-looking vegetables, at the Freaky Show.
Animals got in the on the act at the Pup Idol competition, with prizes for the waggiest tail, the cutest dog and the most talent.
A doggy disco also gave pups, and even their owners, a chance to get footloose and fancy free on the dancefloor.
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Dogs could also flaunt their fashion sense, of course.
Following on from the Catwalk Pets doggy fashion show in High Street, Barkingside last month, dogs from around the borough modelled the latest styles on the catwalk, including everything from The Only Way is Essex-inspired outfits to Asiant glam.
The outfits were auctioned on the day with all proceeds to go to charity.
There was plenty to keep little ones amused at the fair, with arts and craft stalls and storytelling on the Fairlop Frigate.
And culinary skills were put to the test with the Great British Gingerbread Man Festival.
The calories could be burned off with an energy-sapping tug of war.
Aldborough Hatch Defence Association chairman Ron Jeffries, of Spearpoint Gardens, Newbury Park, said: “I thought it was a happy day.
“What impressed me was that so much was free and was ideal for young families.”
He added: “I would say there were double the number of people this year compared to last year. They were in their hundreds.”
