THOUSANDS flocked to Horndon on the Hill over the weekend for the return of the annual Feast & Fayre which has been absent from the events calendar for two years due to the Covid 19 pandemic. 

The popular 'Merrie England' event themed on the Queen's platinum Jubilee was a rip-roaring success with a host of fun and entertainment throughout the village.

Here is a selection of photos and the stories behind them:

Runners and supporters celebrate the end of the 24-hour marathon taken on by Pitsea Running Club hero Jim Price. The ex-soldier ran the Horndon 10K course for 24 hours in aid of the Brake road safety charity.

The charity to benefit from this year's Feast & Fayre was the Motor Neurone Disease Association.

This charity was chosen to support Horndon doctor Nick Tressider, who is pictured with his family and fellow fundraisers. 

 Among a host of entertainment acts at the Feast & Fayre were the Capoeria Brazilian drummers; the Corringham based Sutherland Pipes & Drums, the Hands Around Morris Dancers; and the Martyn Claydon Swing Band. The highlight of Saturday's entertainment was a special 'Midsummer Night's Jubilee performance staged by the Thurrock based Complete Commedia Company. 

The traditions of the Feast & Fayre are founded on the Feast of St Peter & St Paul, which is celebrated each year at the end of June.

As part of this celebration, the St

Local artists displayed their crafts in 'Art Lane' including the Rev Max Blake.

An array of stall holders at the Fayre included Violet Velvet Treats.

Feast & Fayre announcer and organising committee member Malcolm Nicholas, in Merrie England regalia, shows off the new Feast & Fayre guide map.

Feast & Fayre organising committee spokesperson Nigel Sergent said: "It was great to be back after a two-year break. We were once again blessed with great weather and the atmosphere across the whole weekend was amazing. Secondly, our special guest this year was Nick Tresidder and we were raising funds for the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association – a charity close to all of us in Thurrock and Basildon.

MP Stephen Metcalfe opened the Feast & Fayre, watched by organising committee member Kim Towlson and Nick Tresidder.

"We were very grateful to the thousands who attended, the stall holders, our entertainers and our sponsors who helped put on such a joyful weekend. Special thanks must also go to Kim Towlson and his organising committee for all their hard work leading up to and during the weekend."

Stephen Metcalfe with the Stanford, Corringham and Tilbury First Responders.

Stephen Metcalfe visited the Thurrock Neighbourhood Watch stand and is pictured with Kevin Blake and Roger Passfield (left).