Maypole dancing, musical performances and a variety of stalls were all on offer at an annual event.

Ilford Recorder: Barbara Elliot, left, and sister Pat watch out as the mayor of Redbridge, Cllr Felicity Banks, holds an original First World War grenade, which is on display at the May fair in Valentines MansionBarbara Elliot, left, and sister Pat watch out as the mayor of Redbridge, Cllr Felicity Banks, holds an original First World War grenade, which is on display at the May fair in Valentines Mansion (Image: Archant)

Valentines Mansion hosted its May fair on Saturday, attracting several hundred guests, including Redbridge’s mayor, Cllr Felicity Banks, and Mike Gapes, MP for ­Ilford South.

Ilford Recorder: Maypole dancers at the May fair at Valentines Mansion. [Picture: Mike Gapes MP]Maypole dancers at the May fair at Valentines Mansion. [Picture: Mike Gapes MP] (Image: Archant)

The event was organised by the Friends of Valentines Mansion and all of the proceeds will go towards the preservation of the house.

Chairman Barbara Norcaro said: “Everyone seemed to enjoy it; the ­music was great and a lot of the stallholders said they would love to come back another time. We have also taken a little more money than last year.”

A key feature of the day, run with help from Valentines High School pupils, was musical entertainment. Performances were staged by Fairlop Brass Band, the recorder group from Redbridge Music School, Redbridge Music Lounge and the Dhol Drummers Academy of Newbury Park.

Barbara said: “This was the first time we had the dhol drummers and they were fantastic, we will have to ask them back next year.”

The weather held up until after the maypole dancers from St Margaret’s Church had performed.

“They were lovely,” said Barbara.

The total sum of money is still being finalised, but when it is members of the group will liaise with the manager of the mansion to decide how to spend it.

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