OKEHAMPTON'S spectacular week of entertainment culminated with a grand Edwardian Fair and massive free party in the park last Saturday in a day described as 'absolutely magical.'

The rededication of Simmons Park after a major restoration project ran smoothly into a night of varied music and song, bringing the crowds flocking to Okehampton's centrepiece.

Street entertainment, a grand fete and ceremonial procession from the town hall to the park, emulating the procession of 1907 when the park was presented to the town by benefactor Sydney Simmons, were part of this special occasion witnessed by hundreds of townspeople.

'It was an absolutely magical day and everybody seemed to be enjoying themselves,' said Okehampton mayor Christine Marsh.

'As the procession reached the park I looked back and I was flabbergasted by the amount of people who had joined in.'

One of the highlights of the day was seeing the fountains in the water gardens working again after a great many years and other restoration works included railings,

seatings and gates.

At the rededication ceremony Cllr Marsh said Okehampton had been more than lucky to have Sydney Simmons, who for almost 20 years was responsible for almshouses in the town, purchasing the site and restoring the Castle and helping to create the bowling green and golf course.

'It did not end there as he left money in Government securities for the upkeep and his whole estate was devoted to charitable causes in one way or another,' she said.

She added that, after years of neglect, it had taken six years to get to the stage where the park was looking beautiful again after writing funding bids, talking to people and making a case for money to help with the process of restoration.

'I would like to think that Sydney Simmons is looking down on us and is pleased we have reached the stage we are at today and that we still appreciate what he bequeathed to us.'

Chairman of Okehampton Arts and Music Festival Alan King said the link-up between the daytime event and the party in the park in the evening was a great success and many people stayed for the whole show.

'It was a free event, but we had £775 in donations which was a great help,' he said.

'It's wonderful to put things on like this for Okehampton, but people must remember that to make it professional it costs a lot of money.'

The party cost around £3,000 and the spectacular concert by Roy Wood the previous night in Okehampton Sports Hall cost £7,000.

'I was a bit disappointed that we did not get more than 275 people at the Roy Wood event when we had the capacity for 600, but everyone who experienced it said it was phenomenal.'

Mr King said arts week had been a great success and he had his committee of just six people to thank for that, plus all the sponsors, organisations, local businesses, town council and artists.

Roll on 2004 for the next arts festival, but your help is needed. Anyone who has skills in promotion, marketing, events organisation, crowd control or just bundles of enthusiasm, is encouraged to join in next time by ringing the town council offices on 01837 53640.