PICTURES: First ever Hadleigh On Show community showcase proves a resounding success

A community event, which was designed to showcase Hadleigh as a thriving town, exceeded all expectations at the weekend.

Staged for the first time, Hadleigh on Show proved a resounding success on Saturday, as hundreds of visitors gained insight into the work of dozens of groups and organisations operating in the town.

Hosted at both the Guildhall and in St Mary’s Church, representatives from various groups shed light on their work at information stalls, while answering questions from members of the public.

Visitors were treated to a range of performances which featured the Mazazia Belly Dancers, who put on a vibrant show in colourful costumes, along with a musical composition from the Hadleigh Ukulele Group.

The Boudicca Border Morris group performed a lively dance, while a vintage fashion show featured stylish outfits from the 1950s.

The event coincided with Suffolk Action Week’s week-long volunteer recruitment campaign.

Praising the collective efforts of all the individuals involved in the event, Ian Grutchfield, lead organiser, said: “It has been fantastic to see the enthusiasm of the town for our first event.

“We are very grateful to our sponsors, especially Hadleigh Thrift Shop, without whom we could not have held such a successful event.

“We are thrilled that so many groups have exhibited and so many people visited; it is more than we expected.”