THOUSANDS of people descended on a town last weekend to celebrate its heritage, in an event described by organisers as a “phenomenal success”.

Letchworth GC’s Broadway Gardens was packed full on Saturday and Sunday as the public enjoyed live music, animals, horse-drawn carriage rides and browsed the many stands and stalls on show.

Organised by Letchworth Arts Centre and supported by Letchworth Garden City Heritage Foundation and the Heritage Lottery Fund, the weekender posed the question ‘Who Do You Think You Are, Letchworth?’, bringing together the past and present of the town.

Visitors from Utopian developments that preceded Letchworth GC or were inspired by it such as Saltaire, Port Sunlight and Bournville mounted displays, while some came from as far as field as Canada for the occasion.

A stage was also set up in Leys Square on Saturday with live acts performing between 10am and 3pm.

“It was a phenomenal success, it really was,” said Maria Iredale, event organiser and chief executive of the Arts Centre.

“It was like an old village farm but on a really big scale. It was brilliant.

“I’ve spent six months planning it and we ordered the weather ages ago and it delivered! I have to say I’m looking forward to my day off work now though.”

*For a gallery of photos from the weekend click on the link at the top right of the page.