VILLAGERS have been “building memories together” at Aberdour Festival as the 39th celebration has been hailed a fantastic success.

The event returned after a three year absence last week and has since brought the community together for highlights such as paddle boarding sessions and ‘Nerf Wars’.

The festival started on Friday July 29, the first week included events like the raft race, sandcastle competition, gala day and Donkey Brae run, which we reported on last week, and concluded on Sunday.

The second week included attractions such as a flower festival, waterskiing, a barbecue, graffiti workshop and the village sports day.

Helen Pearson, chair of the organising committee, told the Press: “We had a fantastic time, lots of events were sold out and it was really well attended.

“It was nice to see everyone out and all ages interacting with each other.”

Having often been billed as “the best small festival in the world”, the gathering also included LEGO trains, and a building competition where children had to build a model based on their favourite book.

There were 24 entries, with joint first prize going to nine-year-old Eve and seven-year-old Roddy Mowbray who created the Railway Children and Bag End.

Joint second prize was won by 11-year-old Charlie and seven-year-old Jasmine Boag with Jack and the Beanstalk and the BFG, third prize to six-year-old Mia with The Tiger who came to Tea, and Commended to three-year-old Leo with the Jewel Holder.

At the ever popular mosaic build, children, parents and grandparents used 25,000 bricks to create a large picture of The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

The sessions raised £157 for Mary’s Meals.

Ms Pearson further praised the efforts of the Royal Party, who attended events and handed out trophies throughout the week.

“The Royal Party were amazing,” she said. “They also went to the day centre we have for older people in the village and went for tea and cakes there.

“They spent time with them all and brought a smile to their faces – that is not an easy thing to do at 10- or 11-years-old.”

The celebrations will be back with a bang next year, as the festival celebrates its 40th birthday, and although planning is in the very early stages she said she hoped it will be “even bigger” in 2023.