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The 2019 event took place on Wednesday the 21st of August on both Furlongs Field (site of the dog show arena) and the adjacent football fields. The weather was ideal and plenty of people turned out to enjoy the event. Attractions included Team M.A.D. – Mountain Bike Aerial Display Team, The Might Smith Show (strongman), Live Music by Good Company, Giant Tortoises, Dog Show, Craft Stalls, Children’s Games, Bar and Barbecue.
A new venue, new acts friends old and new all made the day a great success. Moving to Sutton Football Club field meant there was plenty of room for everyone to peruse the stalls, enjoy the MAD bike display, Adrian the strong man and the cheerleading group, The East Coast Warriors. We welcomed classic cars and static engines for the first time and were pleased to see many “old” friends on the craft stalls. Dee Anderson, the girls from the Spar and the rest of the refreshment team were kept busy all day serving up tea, coffee and homemade cakes.
Feedback about the day has been very positive and encouraging. We knew there were bound to be some hitches when face with a new venue and we have been heartened by the comments and suggestions received to help us to improve next year. The planning team and volunteers will be sifting, sorting and discussion these comments as I write!
Finally, it must be stressed that we couldn’t provide this quite lovely day out without support, both financial and physical. We are grateful to The Big Local, East Lindsey District Council, Cllr Helen Matthews and The Blakemore Foundation (Spar) for their generous contributions to the funds. The retailers of our High Street (and beyond!) donated prizes and bought advertising and we are extremely grateful to a growing band of volunteers. Thanks also to the Rotary Club of Alford and Mablethorpe who’s volunteers ran the BBQ raising funds for Rotary supported charities and organisations. We had more help than in previous years…but that doesn’t mean we don’t need YOUR help! The more help we have on the day, the less our legs ache at the end!
The Sutton on Sea Residents Association
The 2020 Furlongs Festival is scheduled for the 26th of August. If you’d like to be involved please contact the Sutton on Sea Residents Association.