‘The Best in the West’ has been used about many things in the West Country but for village entertainment, the Silverton Street Market is right up there at the top.

Great British Life: Silverton Street MarketSilverton Street Market (Image: Archant)

Now in its twenty-third year, the Street Market attracts thousands of visitors; raises large sums of money for local community groups; and provides a lot of fun for locals and visitors alike. The theme this year was Myths and Legends of Silverton and her Shire.

Great British Life: Silverton Street MarketSilverton Street Market (Image: Archant)

Annually held on the first Saturday in August, this year’s street market’s attendance was up 24%, a new record. It seems certain that each of the ten community groups involved will benefit to the sum of about £1,000. “We are so pleased’, said event Chairman, Pete Williams, ‘everything was a great success and to have broken every record is a big plus.”

Much of the centre of the village is blocked off to traffic and this year, there were over 100 stalls - commercial, religious, cause groups, catering, antiques and many others. As well as an abundance of stalls, there were many activities and a packed entertainment programme which included acts such as Weapons of Sounds, The Tiverton Majorettes, and the Crediton Town Band to name but a few. The daytime entertainment ended traditionally with the village tug of war competition, held in front of a large and enthusiastic crowd. The muscles of the Lamb Inn were again triumphant but a scratch team from the Hearts of Pargon put in an impressive display!

A special brew from the village’s local brewery, Exe Valley Brewery, called appropriately Silver’s Myth, was sold throughout the day in the village pubs where it was standing room only all day and for most of the night.

The group that benefitted this year were: the village’s three churches, the Community Hall, the village school PTA, the Pre School and After School Clubs, the Drama Group, Scouts, and the Football Club. Another major beneficiary will be the village’s state of the art, recently constructed BMX track.

Long term resident, Maxine Edwards summed it up well: ‘it is the best day of the year and can’t come round soon enough’.