GALLERY: Steyning Festival finale 2014

Corrie van Wisse, Christian Noakes, Jo Carroll and Chrissie Tatnall at the 1614 Dance

Chairman Christine Aubrey was presented with a plaque at Steyning Parish Council on Monday.

West Sussex County Council had given a grant towards improvements to the Steyning Grammar School hall for the Radio 4 evening.

David Barling, county and parish councillor, presented the plaque to mark the occasion. He said: “We are so thrilled with everything you have done.”

Parish council chairman Phil Bowell said the festival was absolutely outstanding and added a letter would be sent to the team, thanking them for their efforts.

“It really has been amazing,” he said. “The amount of visitors means business must have been great throughout the period.”

Ms Aubrey said it had been a real team effort and the many volunteers who were at the meeting received a round of applause.

District councillor George Cockman added his praise.

Julia Donaldson with her creation, the Gruffalo Picture: Sara Procter

“It was unbelievable. It was great to see so many people involved in a variety of performances, displays and exhibitions. It is really extraordinary for a town of this size. What a fortnight, it was brilliant.”

The finale was the 1614 Dance at Wiston House, featuring music and costumes from 400 years ago.

Chrissie Tatnall, of Penlands Vale, Steyning, said: “We really enjoyed the night, the weather was perfect and the venue spectacular. A very enjoyable time was had by all.”

Other events during the final week included the Bamboo Band at Charlton Street Studio on Sunday, hosted by Debbie Zoutewelle, Ben Macintyre at Wiston House last Wednesday, talking about notorious defector Kim Philby and a visit by Gruffalo author Julia Donaldson on Saturday.

The Emerald Crown, performed on Saturday, received high praise.

Ms Aubrey said: “Audience members had to reach for their hankies when a delightful choir of Woodcraft Folk and other local children, helped by the Boundstone Chorus and led by Aidan Kearney, performed an emotional musical about the Amazon rainforest.”