DESPITE the absence of balloons, the Lions Club of Tavistock and the Round Table will still be hosting their annual Bank Holiday fun day.
This would have been the tenth year that people could have enjoyed the magnificent spectacle of hot air balloons soaring in the skies over Tavistock.
However, earlier in the year the two clubs decided to cancel their annual Westcountry Balloon Fiesta due to the foot and mouth crisis. This was felt to be the only course of action, as the balloonists rely on the goodwill of farmers in allowing them to use their fields as landing sites.
This year, the Tavistock Fiesta and Day at the Races will be held on Sunday, August 26, in the grounds of Tavistock College.
The Lions Club and Round Table decided the day had been such a successful funraiser for local charities that a Bank Holiday event should be staged, still featuring the Round Table's popular 'Day at the Races' pantomime horse racing.
The activities begin at the college at 4pm with the finals of the Far West Tug of War Championship and a car boot sale. There will be three pantomime horse races, followed by a fun competition between the Lions Club and Round Table featuring dressage and course racing.
The Cats Whiskers Jazz Band will provide musical entertainment during the evening. The event will be rounded off with a firework display starting at 9pm.
Other attractions include a junior football competition, helium filled balloon race, children's rides, food and drink stalls, a bar and a display of military vehicles.
Planning for the 2002 Westcountry Fiesta and Day at the Races will start soon after this event and the Lions Club and Round Table are confident hot air balloons will be back next year.