ILMINSTER’S latest midsummer experience extravaganza has been declared the best one so far by the organiser.

Michael Fry-Foley made the announcement on Sunday as he saw hundreds of people coming together on the Recreation Ground.

There they enjoyed the classic vehicle show, the brass band concert, the family fun dog show, Rotary’s annual lunch on the Rec, the food court, heavy horse rides, Ilminster Majorettes, and Ilminster disabled strongman Gary Clarke, who demonstrated his strength by pulling a heavy truck 15 metres.

The event also saw a host of activities throughout the town on both Saturday and Sunday. These included the community drive and food and craft market at Greenfylde School and on Silver Street, a pop-up art exhibition in the Minster church rooms on Saturday, and a strolling garage sale on the Sunday.

Michael Fry-Foley, of Experience Ilminster, said: “It is great. We have had lots of support from a lot of people.

“The new things that we have tried have worked out really well. The suitcase market has been very successful and it might grow next year if we get the chance.

“The community drive has been really successful and it is an opportunity for good causes to show what they do.

“It is also a great chance for guys like the army cadets to come out in force.”

Paul Sainsbury, detachment commander for Ilminster cadets, added: “It is vital for us. I have only really taken over Ilminster recently and we are short on cadets.

“Cadets have to be 12 but in Year 8 at school. Our meetings are from 7pm to 9pm in Shudrick Lane. We go away three weekends a year and once for two weeks.”

Mr Fry-Foley added: “I feel that one of the things we should do as a community is really get behind Gary Clarke. If we get a chance to promote him then it is a really great thing to do and he is really inspirational.”

Gary Clarke said: “It is fantastic to have an opportunity like this. Doing these things shows that I don’t just talk about it, I do go out there and do it.

“We have just had the third British championships and I have just had a cheque from the mayor, so thank you for that. I can’t thank the people of Ilminster enough.”

Mr Fry Foley said: “We have been fortunate with the weather, which always helps.

“The number of people asking about the strolling garage sale has been great, and that is people going around the town to 25 people just decluttering.

“It is extraordinary the number of people going around and the people that get rid of things are happy and the people that go away with something are happy too so it is great.

“The whole thing has been successful. It is the best one we have had so far.”