Gale-like winds last Sunday threatened to blow away the hard efforts of the festival committee over the past six months, but residents all pitched in to help set up the gazebos – showing real community spirit.

After welcome speeches from Rotherham mayor Ann Russell, Lord and Lady Scarbrough and vice-chairman of Maltby Town Council, Mark Ainsworth, visitors got stuck in to the fun and games, with dancing, fun rides, games, food and community stalls.

Coun Ainsworth praised festival member Donna Sutton and her team for making the event a reality and praised the people of Maltby for turning out on the day and showing their support.

"I told people it was their festival to enjoy and it's got off to a great start," he said. "The high winds made things a bit difficult, but in a way it made people help each other to get everything set up in the morning, which was brilliant and exactly what the festival is about – getting people to celebrate community spirit."

Added Donna: "It's absolutely fantastic to see the festival actually here after all this time. I want it to show young people that anything is possible, and to give them something they can continue in the future."

Maltby residents agreed, including Sharon Griggs, who came with her three children to enjoy some fun in the sun.

"It's great to see people doing fun stuff in a festival which centres on good behaviour and positive activities," she said. "The festival commitee have worked really hard, and you can see it's really appreciated."

Added Mick Gannon, who helped his wife set up some gazebos in the morning: "It gets kids out and people together. It just shows that kids can have fun, but what we really need in Maltby is a proper youth centre."

"Hopefully this type of festival will be just the thing to get that happening for the young ones – it can only get better."

There are still three days of festival fever to go, including a Summer Ball at Maltby Comprehensive tonight, Friday, and a community picnic at Coronation Park on Sunday, 29th June. Call Donna Sutton on 07867 995195 for more information.