A feast for for a lion

A host of school, church and community groups assembled at St John’s C of E School for a procession through the streets, showcasing months of hard work.

There was an array of floats, dedicated to the animal and safari theme, as giraffes, lions and tigers wandered the village.

Pilling Jubilee Silver Band livened up the parade with its musical tones and Pilling Morris Dancers showcased their talents with several routines.

The parade then arrived back at the church for the royal crowning of the Coffee Feast Queen, 10-year-old Isabella Webster, by Mrs Hamblin.

Isabella, who will move to Ripley St Thomas School in September, said: “I am really happy to be the Coffee Feast Queen for 2016 and represent the village.”

Pilling St John’s C of E School won the best decorated float with Welcome to the Jungle; whilst Stay and Play won the Moon Trust trophy for the float decorated with children’s work.

After the presentations, the procession of floats and classic cars continued through the rest of the village and back to the church hall where everyone enjoyed a fantastic feast followed by games and entertainment on the field.

Andrew Bell, one of the organisers, said: “All in all, it was a great day and many thanks go to all the organisers and helpers who contributed to the success of the day.

“Everyone enjoyed themselves.

“It is a fantastic day for all the family as following the procession around the village there was sports, a barbecue, face painting and lots of activities near the church hall.”

The origins of the festival is medieval, as it was deemed a survival of the village “feast” to celebrate the Saint’s Day of the parish church.

A couple of centuries ago it was the custom to give children coffee to eat with their buns, hence the name.