ONE year ago to the day, powerful winds and pouring rain saw devastated organises cancel Ilminster’s Party on the Park.

But 2019 saw the fundraising community event bounce back better than ever with scorching sunshine, record attendance, and the most entertainment the show has seen.

Following a return to form for Ilminster POP, the organisers are already ahead of schedule with planning for next year’s festivities.

Emma Jane Taylor, one of the event’s organisers, said: “It went really well. I think it is the biggest turnout we have ever had.

“Lots of people were being sensible and staying near the edge under the trees, and then once it started to cool down they came out a bit.

“The bands were very well received, and all the stalls said they had a really good day fundraising, which is the whole reason why we do this.”

There were around 30 stalls from different community groups and not-for-profit organisations who benefitted for the day out.

Emma Jane added: “The bands play for free, and yet still we were inundated with people requesting to play.

“We thought, rather than turn some away, we would have two stages. There was the main stage, and then we had a busking tent that didn’t have the full sound system in it.

“It worked really well because as we switched over the main stage, we always had a band playing - except when the Ilminster Majorettes were out.”

The second music stage wasn’t the only new thing.

“For the first time, this year we had a baby tent. Someone got in touch and said they would like to run a tent where mothers could come and be able to breast feed, and there were toys for toddlers, and would that be OK.

“We were really happy. We wouldn’t have been able to do any of that without her volunteering, so thank you to Ellie Cain.”

Thanks also went to Ilminster POP’s sponsors, who help the event to run each year.

“Our sponsors are all absolutely fantastic,” Emma Jane said.

“C&D South West give us the stage, the town council allows us to use the grounds, and the Ilminster Forum do a lot for us.

“Macs printing did a whole lot of free printing for us this year, and Mitchams Accountants pay for our first aid cover.”