ONE of the biggest toy train events in the country came to Alresford and drew large crowds. 

The 30th Festival of Toy Trains took place at Perins Community School in New Alresford on Saturday, June 15. 

More than 500 people attended the event from all over the country, with more than 100 layouts and sellers in attendance.

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The event, which started in 1993 at Alresford Community Centre moved to Perins School in 2000, and has been held there ever since.

There were 22-plus layouts of all different varieties and themes on display, with 70 sales tables for those looking for interesting bits and pieces.

Hundreds attended the event on Saturday, June 15Hundreds attended the event on Saturday, June 15 (Image: Bob Legget)

Event organiser, Bob Leggett, who has been running the event for the entire 30 years, said he has received great feedback from those who attended.

He said: "It was a brilliant day with some superb layouts and bits of pieces on display, offering something for absolutely everyone."

Bob said the event had been promoted more on social media this year, with more families from Alresford and the surrounding area attending than in previous years.

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The event was supported with volunteers from Cheriton, Four Marks and Alresford scouts who provided catering, including cooking the barbecue, serving bacon butties, plus tea and cake. 

Bob added that the scout groups will receive a donation from the event for their help, as will the Alresford branch of Save the Children, who manned the door and helped with the event.

Sellers at the festival Sellers at the festival (Image: Bob Legget)

Bob, who now lives in Easton but had previously lived in Alresford for 30 years, said: "I'm delighted with how the day went and the wonderful variety of layouts plus toys on sale. We had some fantastic feedback saying how much people had loved the day, and its something that can be enjoyed by all members of the family no matter how young or old.

"Over the past 30 years this has been one of the best shows that we have put on. A massive thank you to the local scouts and the Alresford branch of Save the Children for their help, it wouldn't have been possible without you."

Sadly Bob will be looking for an alternative venue next year after difficulties at the school ground to accommodate the event.

A vintage bus operated from the festival taking people to the Old Alresford Village Fair in the afternoon. 

Use the photo gallery at the top of the article to see some of the best photos from the event.