MAKING Grimsby a brighter place to live, work and visit was the aim of a "bloom-ing" brilliant new festival in the town.
The first Bloom Fest, organised by Grimsby In Bloom, took place at Grimsby Minster and in Minster Square on Saturday.
It is designed to help raise some of the £8,000-£10,000 it costs to maintain the Grimsby In Bloom entry each year.
Chairwoman Elaine Atkinson said: "We wanted to come up with a new and exciting way of helping to raise money that could be enjoyed by the whole community.
"This is the first year we've done the festival but we hope it will become an annual event.
"The reaction so far has been excellent and everybody is enjoying themselves."
The festival included a celebration of music, food and crafts, with various stall to entice passersby.
Live performances taking place inside the minster during the day included Andrew Darwood, Dick Appleton, Fusion Youth Theatre, Toria Dance School, Alex Barton, Dilettante, Dan Brown and Grimsby School Of Samba.
Volunteer Steve Lewis, who is licensee of the Hope & Anchor, said: "As a local businessman I'm very keen to get involved in helping the community.
"I think Grimsby In Bloom has made a heck of a difference to the town and we were proud to win the 'best public house hanging basket' competition this year.
"I think it's important that we all do our bit."
Among the local groups manning stalls was the Grimsby 16+ Club, which organises social events for adults with learning difficulties and disabilities.
Spokeswoman Brenda Ryder said: "We're holding a raffle today with first prize of a dolls' house, second prize of £100 and third of £50.
"We organise lots of events in the area, including bingo, dancing, meals out and an annual holiday. It's our 20th anniversary in 2015 and we're trying to raise money for a special celebration."
Busily knitting items for her stall was Charlotte Baker, from Immingham, who works for North East Lincolnshire Council and runs Charlotte's Craft Creations in her spare time.
She said: "I started making things as a way to keep busy in the evenings.
"I've done a few fairs now and the reaction to my work has been really good.
"I think Grimsby In Bloom is a great thing and I've become quite involved in it.
"The festival is a really good idea."
To find out more about joining The Grimsby 16+ Club, call Carl Dodsworth on 07980 253181 or Margo Thomas on 07799 108678.
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