GLORIOUS Somerset sunshine helped to bring out the crowd to support the annual Chard Summer Festival, with more events than ever before.

Each year has seen the Chard Town Team add new attractions to the summer celebration.

Saturday saw a series of stalls return to Holyrood Street, this time joined by a mini town crier competition.

Organised by Chard’s crier, Stuart Cummings, seven-year-old Keiren McCarthy won the under-10s contest, and Sophie Atyeo, 11, took home the over-10s prize.

Mr Cummings said: “What amazing and talented young Town Criers we had today for the competition.

“There were nine competitors, each having written their own cry.

“Congratulations to each and every one of them; they showed a real love of their town.”

The entertainment on Saturday evening was also expanded, with stalls and live music before the traditional beacon lighting.

Cllr Jason Baker, mayor of Chard, said: “Saturday evening was really good and we probably had about 500 people there.

“It was a good turnout.”

Sunday’s festivities also saw a strong attendance with more stalls from local charities and community groups, and more live music.

Cllr Baker added: “It was busy throughout the day and we had 46 stalls and attractions.

“We also had the carnival royalty crowning.”

Another attraction at the weekend was a mock assizes, with members of the public able to take part in a re-enactment of Chard’s old judicial system.

Cllr Baker took part in proceedings, along with judge Sarah Dowell and Cresswell Whitton as the chaplain.

“We had about 20 people come in and tried for various fake crimes,” Cllr Baker said.

“We had several other people just come in for a look around the court.

“The whole weekend went really well.”