Wonderful day of fun at Highgate’s Fair the Square
�Stoic Highgate residents showed rain could not dampen their spirits as thousands turned out for Saturday’s annual Fair in the Square.
The event went down a storm with an estimated 4,500 coming to mingle, shop, eat and watch on-stage performances.
Over 200 performers, aged between four and 84, from local schools and societies showed off their singing, dancing and musical skills.
Performances by Theatretrain, Stagecoach and Hornsey Girls School steel band proved among the most popular.
Celebrities Les Dennis, Paul Nicholas and Ray Davies also turned up on the day.
Marje Isabelle, chairwoman of the fair committee, said. “It was a wonderful, memorable day.
“There were so many people enjoying themselves with so much to see and do.”
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The dog show was inundated by canine talent, and judges MP Lynne Featherstone, actresses Harriet and Matilda Thorpe and PetVet owner Russell Hatton had a hard time deciding winners.
Ms Featherstone said: “The dog show was jam packed. We were on the hunt for the dog with the waggiest tail, and best junior dog handler in fancy dress – fancy dress for both dog and child. And boy did we meet some happy dogs and see some amazing costumes. It was a fab day.”
Stall holders also enjoyed a fruitful day. Around 130 stalls selling a huge array of goods and delicious food surrounded the square with 60 of them taken by local charities and societies who raised funds and recruited members.
I Can Dance – a charity run by a Highgate mother which helps children aged five to 25 with physical and learning disabilities to learn to dance – raised enough money on their stall to fund a professional dance teacher for a term.
Catherine Wells, who manned a stall for Friends of Waterlow Park, said: “I was there from 11am to 5.30pm and it was just brilliant from beginning to end. A great mix of stalls, terrific food, masses to do and lots to buy for all ages.”
On Twitter, Laurence Delpech from French Made, said: “Had a great day selling my cakes at the Fair in the Square – can’t wait for next year, already!”
