THOUSANDS of people flocked to the second ever Bridgwater Docks Festival this weekend.

The event, held on the edges of the docks, was brimming with stalls, including a Sea Cadets South West booth, a fudge stall, lucky dips, a sweet shop, the flower society, a liquer stall, and a bouncy catle.

Part funded by the council, the event is organised by a team of volunteers, and also saw an appearance from the Mayor and Mayoress of Bridgwater.

Patricia Robinson, events and promotion manager at England Waterways, said: “It’s great seeing all the kiddies’ faces, this is what it is all about.

“We should be promoting the docks like this more often, some people in Bridgwater don’t even know where the docks are.

“This is the second year of the festival, I did it last year, and I am looking to hopefully organise a similar event at Christmas as well, in early December.

“I think there are a lot more people here this time, I think we have been lucky with the weather.”

Ms Dobson, who is also a member of Friends of Bridgwater Docks, is currently fundraising to pay for the restoration of the old navigation buoy.

She said: “It’s historic, and it’s an important piece of the area, but it’s completely rotten, and it’s currently at the college being refurbished.”

“I’m looking to raise the funds to help pay for the work.”

Also in attendance at the festival were Theatre Melange, who, along with Somerset County Council, are trying to gather local people’s memories, thoughts and pictures about living near the River Parrett.

Sandy Maberley, from Theatre Melange, said: “We are looking to make a film about life around the River Parrett, and capture the sights and sounds of the landscape.”

They are looking for your input, so if you can help them out go to their website at http://www.theatremelange.com/