A FANCY dress parade, knights doing combat and villagers putting all their might into a tug of war were all in a day’s entertainment at an annual event at the weekend.

Hundreds of people enjoyed the attractions at the 45th Sedgefield Medieval Fair in Sedgefield, County Durham, on Saturday (May 16).

Children dressed as characters from Alice in Wonderland to celebrate the story’s 150th anniversary in a fancy dress parade led by was eight-year-old flower queen Daisy-Mae Collitor in a horse drawn carriage.

The event also featured a combat demonstration by Escafeld Medieval Knights, Morris dancing, a traditional fun fair, Punch and Judy show and a birds of prey display.

The event raised about £5,000 for Sedgefield Community Association (SCA), towards the upkeep of Grade II listed community venue Ceddesfeld Hall, and groups and charities held fundraising stalls.

Pat Buckly-Atkins, chairman of the organising committee, said: “It was such a good day.

“A lot of voluntary hours and effort go in to organising it and we were lucky again with the weather which makes a huge difference.

“The children’s parade was just wonderful and I reckon the day must raise about £8,000 for the CA and local community, and importantly lots of people turned out and had a great time.”