Photo gallery. After a nervous start the sunshine brings out the crowds for the two day show.

THOUSANDS of visitors ensured the 17th Axe Vale Festival was another big success over the weekend.

After a cool start, welcome sunshine brought out the crowds, attracting people from across the south west to the two-day event.

This year, for the first time, Axe Valley Community Choir delighted people with their singing and main ring attractions included the B and K Terrier Racing Team, Allan Gates Falconry, along with a wide variety of rural demonstrations, while “One Night Stand” kept the toes tapping.

Organisers agreed the marquees were up to their usual standard and there were plenty of high quality goods to see and purchase.

The colourful displays in the floral marquee were especially appreciated while Tony Benger joined forces with Burrow Farm Gardens to celebrate 25 years in the landscaping business with an outside show.

Award winners were:

Floral:

Large gold: Abbey Nursery, Mandy Plants, Carside Cacti, Millwood Plants, Chrysanthemum’s Direct.

Gold: Alpine Garden Society, Pocock Roses, South West Carnivorous Plants, Tale Valley Nursery, Woodman Cote Nurseries, Barracott Plants.

Silver gilt: Kerton Sweet Peas, Just Air Plants, Dulford Nurseries, Wessex Nursery, The Hardy Plant Society.

Silver: Dulford Nursery, Coldharbour Nursery, Floyds Climbers and Clematis, Southcombe Gardens Plant Nursery.

Bronze: Pounsley Plants.

Floral Marquee Best in show: Chrysanthemums Direct.

David Swarbrick Rose Bowl for best trade exhibitor: Westcrete/Tonyparfoot Landscaping . Highly commended: Axminster Allotment Association

Chairman’s Cup for outside trade stands, nurseries and plantsman: Tony Benger Landscaping Ltd. Highly commended: Tadnoll Plants.

Craft Cup: Art from the Fire. Highly commended: East Devon Alpacas.

Keith Berry Plate, food hall: Fine Country Lifestyle. Highly commended: Devon Honey Company.

McKinlays Trophy for best outside demonstrator: Mark Jones. Highly commended: Kris Palsons, Farrier.

Antiques and Collectables: The Most Desirable Table - Rustics. Most unusual Item of Past History: John Dickinson.