A COMMUNITY arts festival is celebrating an increase in numbers in its second year.

Over 100 artists, crafters and food-sellers set up stalls at Hanger Farm in Totton for the now annual Totton and Eling Arts Festival.

Popular Hampshire children’s author Jacqueline Pye gave a ‘story-time’ reading and signed books, Big Noise Samba wowed the crowds with their powerful drumming, and children were entertained with free balloon sculptures while performers played to packed audiences throughout the day.

There were also 70 ‘fairy doors’ dotted around Totton to stir the imagination, as well as a gnome treasure hunt and goodie bags.

Organiser Allison Caddell said: “It went incredibly well. It was packed and the weather was glorious. We definitely exceeded last year’s numbers and had around 2,500 visitors this year.

“We want to make the arts accessible to all. We were funded on a shoestring but lots of performers donated their time, Meachers truck company supported us, Techbods gave us technical support, Condor did our printing and the council also gave us money.”