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Crowds came along for a day of fun in the sun at the Castle Partnership Community Extravaganza on a blisteringly hot day on Saturday.

The event, the first of its kind, was organised Castle Manor Academy teacher Becky Baldwin and was seen as a huge success by the crowds that came along to enjoy the atmosphere.

The weather was scorching as families enjoyed a range of activities from all sorts of commnuity groups, brought together by Mrs Baldwin.

Haverhill Early Years Providers, led by Janette Kempen from Sandcastles Playgroup, had a large area in which children and parents were all seen working together under the theme Every Child A Talker.

Parents and children alike were engaged with a host of activities including hobby-horse races, hook-a-duck, puppet-making, dough craft and much more.

There were various community games on offer, led by student leaders from Castle Manor Academy including a penalty shoot-out and welly-wanging contest.

Throughout the day faces were painted and many cuddled the Castle Partnership chickens to raise money for the British Hen Welfare Trust.

Entertainment was funded by Haverhill Town Council as part of the street festival and Cllr Anne Gower’s locality funding.

Children (and adults) cheered at the antics of Maynard flip-flap, Captain Calamity and crazy musicians, before they enjoyed a finale of live music from Place Farm Primary Academy Choir, the Castle Singers and the Castle Manor Academy house band Nice Manors.

Charities all put on activities to engage families and raise money for their causes. East Anglian Children's Hospice had centre stage with a balloon release to close the event in rememberance of lost loved ones and to celebrate the life of former Castle Manor Academy student Joshua Tarrant.

Mrs Baldwin closed the event with thanks to all that came along and got involved. “I am very happy with how the day went," she said.

"Everyone has been raving about how good it was. There have been lots of happy faces, giant bubbles, ice creams and inflatable fun!”

The event ran with the help of many students from across the partnership. Mrs Baldwin continued to sing their praises.

“Castle Partnership students were excellent and many were there for the entire day welcoming visitors, making the sound work and running stalls.

"I'd like to especially thank staff from both Castle Manor Academy and Place Farm Primary Academy for their support stewarding, the Friends of Place Farm and everyone that helped make the day a success.

"The day was only possible with everyone helping and working together. For me that was what the day was all about.”

Haverhill Town Mayor Roger André spent a long time walking around the site and taking part in the various activities.

He reflected on the success of the day, saying: “This was a fantastic event, organised by the people at the very heart of our community.

"Haverhill is fortunate to have people that care so much and I’m very grateful to those that organised the event for giving us another day to celebrate our town.”