Cambridge's Strawberry Fair attracts thousands

Morris dancing was one of the sights fair-goers encountered

Thousands of visitors enjoyed the music, international food and a "family atmosphere" at the annual Strawberry Fair in Cambridge on Saturday.

Two people were arrested at the event at Midsummer Common - one for a drugs offence and one for a public order breach.

But there was no repeat of the scenes of 2009, when dozens of arrests were made.

Organisers said they were delighted with the way the free event went.

'Recycling at work'

CCTV cameras were in operation and alcohol restrictions were enforced by Cambridgeshire police.

Knitters were also on hand to thrill the crowds who thronged to the fair

The festival has been dogged by alcohol and drug-related problems in the past.

In 2009, there were 73 arrests, with 224 people given warnings over cannabis and eight people fined for urinating in public.

The number of arrests almost doubled compared with 2008, when 38 people were held on drugs and public order offences.

The police aim for the past two years has been to maintain a "family focus" through close co-operation with the Strawberry Fair Committee and city council.

Shelagh Bidwell, from Cambridge, said she got to the fair early and there were plenty of market stalls to keep her interest.

"There was also a children's area where there were several things for them to go on free of charge," she said.

"They also had a large tent for drawing and activities they could join in with."

She was particularly struck by a handicrafts area where one woman was knitting plastic bags.

"That was real recycling at work," she said.

"There was a nice, friendly atmosphere with groups of young people and families. The music was provided by bands and guitar groups and [there were] a lot of activities to see.

"One group was performing tai chi and others Morris dancing. Overall it was a good day."