TURTON Tower was bathed in summer sun as crowds of visitors flocked to enjoy the newly-revived historic Turton Fair.

The event proved so popular that the tower’s car park was full by 10.30am yesterday morning, and organisers provided a minibus to transport people over from the nearby Turton School car park.

Other drivers vied for spots on the road outside, and long lines of cars formed on the pavement along Chapeltown Road.

Friends of Turton Tower member Beryl Wolfenden, who was in full Victorian costume, said: “We’ve had lots of people and everyone’s said what a lovely day they’ve had.

“I think for the whole of the Turton area there’s nothing like this. We’re getting very good vibes from it.”

Inside the grounds of the 600-year-old building, families strolled around, serenaded by the Bolton Hoover Band, while others relaxed on the grass and enjoyed picnics.

Parents watched as girls danced around the maypole in the Grade I listed building’s courtyard, accompanied by a guitarist and accordionist.

The girls, aged seven to 10, Brownies from St Anne’s Turton with some help from the Bolton Rainbows, performed traditional spider’s web and simple plait dances.

Visitors queued to have their fortune told by Madam Aziela while in a nearby field, pooches strutted their stuff in a dog show, and strongmen battled it out in a tug-of-war.

The event dates back more than 200 years, but went into decline in the early 20th century. It was revived last year by the Friends of Turton Tower.

Chairman John Grove promised the fair would return next year.

He said: “It’s been excellent. Anna Harvey, who is the leader of the fair sub-group has done a fantastic job. We’ve received a lot of good comments about everything.”

Anna Baron, aged 29, of Julia Mews, Horwich said: “It think it’s very nice. It’s a lovely day for the family and the weather’s perfect.”

John Clark, aged 59, of Druid’s Close, Egerton, said: “This is the first time I’ve been here, and I’m very impressed.

“It’s good fun, but it’s not tacky, they’ve got the tone just right.”