A popular street market returns this year after organisers were forced to cancel in 2012 because of the atrocious weather.
Traditionally held on the first May Bank Holiday – this year on Monday, May 6 – Denton Street Market has become a local institution and celebration of village life.
Organisers draw together a blend of village produce, childrens’ entertainment, charity stalls, bric a brac, street traders of every description and colourful ranks of bedding plants. The market attracts thousands of visitors every year.
For one weekend all attention focuses on Denton’s Church Street, Park Lane, St Andrews Church, school and an area of picturesque parkland paddock, not forgetting the cattle fields turned over to car parks thanks to the Denton Farming Company.
Additional attractions include an art exhibition in the church, schoolchildren performing traditional Maypole dancing and, perennial favourites, beautiful birds of prey from Deeping’s Exotic Pet Refuge.
It’s also a vital fund-raiser for not only its three beneficiaries but every single stallholder.
Until last year, when sodden fields means that there could be no off-road car parking for the hundreds of cars drawn to the event, only the foot and mouth epidemic of 2001 had stopped play in the market’s 26-year history.
Denton is a real combined village effort, with residents manning their own stalls among more than 100 traders, school parents producing and selling food, villagers barbecuing hot dogs and the village hall staging a day-long tea-and-cake fest.
Proceeds are divided between the village hall, the School Fund and the Chiuch, and on a good year the event can top £9,000 in profits.
One of the organisers, Debbie Nicholls, said: “We were really disappointed to have to cancel last year, not just for us, but for all those who have supported us over the years. It will be good to be back in business.”