Families soak up the sun at Lichfield Bower festival
“Perhaps more people have come along because of that. We are very lucky to have had them here in Lichfield.” Susan Woodward, 59, and her 60-year-old husband Donald travelled up from Newbridge in South Wales to see their son but also to experience the festival.
“It’s a marvellous occasion,” said Susan. “There’s nothing like this down our way. I’m really pleased the Government has changed its mind – they deserve it.” Jim Hooper, a 41-year-old civil servant from Lichfield, said: “It seems a lot busier this year.
“Seeing how they (the Gurkhas) were applauded when they came through seems they have definitely attracted more people.
“The Government has changed its mind and I’m very glad - they have been treated despicably in the past.” Hugh Clarke, a retired building estimator from Lichfield, attended the age-old festival with wife Christine.
He said: “There was a lot of cheering when the Gurkhas went past.
“They deserve all the support they get.”
The celebrations have grown in recent years to include a funfair in the city centre and a fair and jamboree in Beacon Park where the Gurkhas performed their renowned knife dance before the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight flew overhead with a Dakota.
Michael Mularkey, chairman of Lichfield Greenhill Bower which organises the event, said it was a huge success attracting high visitor figures and that there was entertainment for all the family.
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