A MONTH-LONG series of events began in Tiverton on Saturday with the launch of this year’s Tivvy Fest.

The festival kicked off in the market with maypole dancers from Castle Primary School, performances from Tiverton Town Majorettes and Kalash, a colourful troupe of American-style tribal belly dancers.

Other highlights included a ‘mock mayor’ election competition, won by last year’s victor Noah Bodley-Scott, and the resonant voice of town crier Frank Housam, who raised the Tivvy Fest flag to symbolise the start of the event.

There was also a packed programme at the Opening Concert at the New Hall and, for the first time, a free family picnic at Old Heathcoat School Community Centre, which included a dance display by their student group, Sukuli.

More top events are lined up for this year’s Tivvy Fest, which finishes on May 31.

Upcoming highlights include an astronomy talk by Dr Allan Chapman today (Friday), a taster session with Tiverton Rowing Club on Saturday, a walk with Tiverton Ramblers’ Association on Sunday, a lecture hosted by the Tiverton Decorative and Fine Arts Society on Monday, a tower open evening at St Peter’s Church on Tuesday, book group event on Wednesday, and a ‘bounce and rhyme’ baby and toddler event on Thursday.

This Sunday, Tiverton Adventure Playground will also be open to families thanks to the TAPA and the Children’s Centre.

For a full list of events, visit the Tivvy Fest website – tivvyfest.com

Programmes are available from the market on market days, from Twyford Print in Bampton Street, Tiverton Library and Tiverton Information Centre as well as from shops around the town.