THE bank holiday weekend saw the 13th annual Tavistock Garden Festival take place in Tavistock’s historic pannier market.

Despite the torrential downpours on Friday and Saturday the sun shone and visitors flocked to see the show gardens and trade stands.

Exhibitors from throughout Devon and Cornwall packed the market with plants, vintage tools, ornaments and local food. For the first time this year visitors were also able to relax and enjoy music from local bands in the beer tent on Guildhall Square, thanks to Adam Herring from local band Yorkie, who did a great job both playing and organising the music throughout both days.

Tavistock Mayor Cllr Philip Sanders presented the much coveted ‘Golden Trowel’ for best show garden to Wendy Hicks for her beautifully designed cottage garden. Wendy also won the ‘People’s Choice Award’ this year and said: ‘A great weekend in Tavistock! The garden festival was wonderful and it was a privilege to win the Mayor’s and People’s Choice Awards for my display garden.’

The other stands drawing special commendation from the judges were Tartendown Nurseries (pictured right recieving award from Cllr Philip Sanders) and Treseder Nursery (pictured left).

The Garden Festival takes place each year over the last May Bank holiday weekend. Now firmly established as one of the most popular garden events in Devon this year the event attracted over 30 local exhibitors.

The festival was pleased to welcome back garden designer Matt Jackson and the team from the Garden House at Buckland Monachorum together with herb specialist Laurel Farm and organic vegetable plants from Growers Organic.

The festival also welcomed back Dave Buncle from Westcountry Falconry with his falconry display in the churchyard.

There were also some new faces at this year’s festival including Richard Jones from Vintage Bottles, Richard said: ‘It was an excellent event with a great atmosphere. I’d love to be involved again next year.’

Duane Carruthers, market reeve and event organiser said: ‘This year’s garden festival was well received by traders and public alike and I would like to say a personal thank you to everyone who helped make it a successful weekend.’

No sooner had the marquees been packed away than work started on planning next year’s garden festival.