THE town's Mayor Cllr Karen Dunleavey formally opened the 12th Romsey Festival last Friday evening.

This year's event was moved to the South Garth of the Abbey and was held outdoors for the first time to facilitate social distancing.

Despite the launch being reduced from previous years, all who attended expressed their delight at the new location and format.

Guests included the Mayor of Test Valley, Cllr Mark Cooper, and his wife, Romsey MP Caroline Nokes; Mr Richard Jordon-Baker Director of Broadlands Estates (representing Festival Paton Countess Mountbatten); Rev. Thomas Wharton Vicar of Romsey; and Committee Members and representatives of participating organisations.

After a blessing from The Vicar the Festival flag was raised on the Abbey by flagman Andrew. The new flag was a gift from Romsey Quilters to replace the flag used since the first Festival in 1987.

The flag will be lowered at an event on Sunday July 18 when there will be a closing service in Romsey Abbey.

Festivities continue until July 18, bringing great entertainment to residents and visitors to Romsey and surrounding villages.

This year's programme seeks to showcase the talents of young musicians, offers family focused outdoor activities, guided walks around Romsey and beyond.