Bumper crowds flocked to Reaseheath College to enjoy its annual Family Festival.
Thousands of visitors spent the day at the college’s Nantwich campus in warm sunshine and a carnival atmosphere.
Headline acts included a display of trick riding by The Devil’s Horsemen stunt team and displays by Titan, a giant robot whose latest appearances include the opening of the Winter Olympics at Sochi.
Families also saw a replica of Bloodhound SSC, the supersonic car which will attempt a 1,000mph land speed record in 2016.
The car was part of a technology theme running through the festival and had a simulator so visitors could experience driving the fastest car on earth.
Another world record was attempted during the day when 300 visitors boogied on Reaseheath’s lawn to ‘Oops Upside Your Head’.
The evidence is still under scrutiny, but it is hoped the dance will earn Reaseheath a place in the Guinness Book of Records.
The challenge was masterminded by members of Reaseheath’s Student Association to raise money for the college’s RAG (raising and giving) appeal for St Luke’s Cheshire Hospice.
The World War 1 was a supporting theme, with Reaseheath Food Centre putting on a WW1 field kitchen and displays by North Staffordshire Military Vehicle Trust and Cheshire Land Rover Club.
The Devil’s Horsemen team brought an original WW1 canteen carriage, which was paraded around the college grounds pulled by two draft horses.
Other highlights included a calf show which was won by Level 3 Extended Diploma in Agriculture student Becky Harper with fellow student Harley Sneyd as Reserve Champion.
Families also enjoyed sheep shearing, a farmers’ and craft market, student horse riding displays, tours of the college’s zoo, a fun dog show, a tea garden and demonstrations ranging from tree climbing and chainsaw use to butchery and cheese making.
The many ‘have a go’ activities included the chance to try archery, climb the college’s indoor wall and tackle the high ropes course.
The main stage hosted guest artists including Celtica Irish Dancing, ‘The Voice’ contestant Joe Keegan and local band Hex.
Principal Meredydd David said: “Once again the Reaseheath team delivered a fabulous family festival for thousands of people.
“In my opinion it was the best ever festival and a phenomenal success, allowing our visitors to celebrate with us what’s best about Reaseheath.
“As well as being a shop window for the skills of our students, the festival also makes a fantastic contribution to our local community and has become a not to be missed event for many people.”
More than £50 million has been invested in new buildings and technology on campus over the past eight years, mainly using regional companies and services.
The latest new build project, starting shortly, is a national centre for horticulture and environmental management.
(pics: Daniel Naprous from The Devil’s Horsemen performs with the Lloyds TSB black stallion Dante; crowds help in the ‘Oops Upside Your Head’ challenge; Titan meets admirers)
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