PICTURE GALLERY: A-mazeing photos of festival labelled an “outstanding success”

The Professional Jugglers. (Image: Archant)

Chairman of the Saffron Walden Initiative, Peter Riding, said the success of the second Saffron Walden Maze Festival was down to “the collaboration between many of the different organisations in the town”.

Walking races on the Turf Labyrinth. (Image: Archant)

He said: “Although the Initiative took the lead role in planning and running the festival, it would not have been such a success without the fantastic practical support we received from the town council, museum, library, Bridge End Garden, Saffron Screen, Walden Tri and Spartak Football Club, as well as local businesses and community groups.

“Judging by the feedback we have received, the second Saffron Walden Maze Festival was an outstanding success.”

The event was designed for people of all ages and there were over 30 different activities to choose from. Thanks to grants and sponsorship, as well as profits from the raffle, most were free.

Mr Riding added: “An event of this magnitude could only be put on through the help of an army of volunteers, many not even members of the Initiative.

“The highlight for me was the Grand Finale on Sunday on the Common, with sideshows, community mazes, bands, walking races, jugglers and fire performers, all ending with a light procession around the turf maze with torches and lanterns as darkness fell.

“Now Saffron Walden has its third permanent maze in the bandstand in Jubilee Gardens, we can really say it has become an A-Mazing Town!”

Mayor of Saffron Walden Keith Eden called the festival “a lot of fun”. He told the Reporter: “It was a great event and I’m pleased I had a chance to be part of it. The whole thing was really well run and a credit to the town of Saffron Walden.”