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PICTURES: ‘Three festivals in one’ at Le Weekend in Sandwich

Sandwich enjoyed a bustling weekend in the sun as Le Weekend brought visitors in their hundreds to enjoy the entertainment.

The two-day French-themed event was so jam-packed with things to see and do that organiser Steve Laslett said it could only be described as three festivals in one.

The first element is the French market and stalls run by Normandy traders who cross the Channel just to set up in the Guildhall Forecourt and Market Street.

A variety of French food was enjoyed by visitors
A variety of French food was enjoyed by visitors

The second part is song and dance-based, with French artists this year including Les Sonneurs de La Cote, St Tropez and Retro Paname.

This is added to by English artists playing French- inspired sets – including the talented Thomas Abrahams playing Django Reinhardt- inspired guitar – with a rousing finale by Gippskazz.

The third part is Le Medieval encampment on the Quay Green.

Dancers took to the streets as part of the French themed event
Dancers took to the streets as part of the French themed event

It is led by Dave Batchelor and his team who put on an entertaining tented village experience throughout the weekend.

Mr Laslett said: “Any other small town would be proud to host any of these events. Due to the hard work of our volunteers, we do all three in one weekend!”

To top everything off, there was the annual 100km cycle ride on Sunday morning – Le Tour de Sandwich.

Crowds enjoy the music at Le Weekend in Sandwich
Crowds enjoy the music at Le Weekend in Sandwich

Hundreds of cyclists were sent off with good wishes by the mayor, Cllr Paul Graham at 9am.

The mapped route took them to Canterbury, close to Folkestone and Dover and back.

Mr Laslett said: “Everything went very smoothly. Our small but hard-working team of volunteers enjoyed the whole event which ended with the mucky job of litter picking and cleaning up.

“But it was nice to hear one resident congratulate us on leaving the town so clean after such a big festival.

“We love seeing Sandwich town being enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.”

For more pictures, pick up this week's Mercury - out now.

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