SUNSHINE added the final touch to The Village Alive Trust’s popular Midsummer Revels event at Great Trerhew Farm, Llanvetherine on Saturday when visitors enjoyed traditional country entertainment throughout the afternoon and evening.

The event took place by kind permission of the Beavan family. Visitors were able to see the historic Grade II* listed corn barn at the farm which is still used as part of the modern farming enterprise. The Trust is aiming to help the owners restore the endangered barn to ensure its continued use in agriculture. Successful bids for grant aid for the project will also ensure public access to view the building on specified open days.

As well as two stunning displays of Maypole dancing by Cross Ash Primary School pupils, the Revels included entertaining performances by Full Moon Morris dancers and local musicians. Talented young singers and musicians who had travelled from Kingsbridge Community College, Devon with their teacher, Sian Beavan, performed throughout the event.

A market featured fresh produce, plants, herbs and handmade goods ranging from corn dollies, baskets and pottery to hand dyed wool and preserves. There were also displays of traditional crafts including dry stone walling, wood turning, rope-making, spinning, hurdle-making and sheep shearing by hand.

Archery, skittles and children’s stalls, locally produced ice cream and homemade teas, as well as a licensed bar added to the atmosphere of the day which was staged by Trust members in co-operation with Llangattock Lingoed Church, Crucorney YFC, local community groups and businesses including Alun Griffiths Civil Engineers, Red Castle Nursery and Abergavenny Sawmills.

An evening Ceilidh with The Silver Branch band and a hog roast rounded off the family day out.

The event was organised as part of The Village Alive Project, which is being supported by the Welsh Assembly Government through the WDA and the Rural Development Plan for Wales.