CROWDS flocked to Welwyn at the weekend as the village s 35th annual festival week kicked off in earnest. An estimated 4,000 people – about half the population of the village – headed down to

CROWDS flocked to Welwyn at the weekend as the village's 35th annual festival week kicked off in earnest.

An estimated 4,000 people - about half the population of the village - headed down to

Codicote Road on Saturday for the festival's yearly street market.

There were around 70 stalls selling a range of products, including meat, bread and candles.

Elsewhere, a two-day photographic exhibition organised by Welwyn resident Gordon Longmead, took place in the Civic Centre, alongside an arts and crafts exhibition by the Ayots and Welwyn WI.

Andy Trotter, chairman of the Welwyn Festival Group, described the street market as "excellent".

"We had a slightly damp start at about nine o'clock but fortunately after that it warmed up and cleared up," he said.

Mr Trotter added that �700 worth of tickets for the festival's annual raffle - which will take place after the costume parade on Saturday - were sold.

A number of other events, including a wine and beer festival, will take place over the next five days.

For a full programme, go to www.welwynfestival.org.uk