An estimated 5,000-6,000 people visited the High Street in Caterham-on-the-Hill last Sunday for a lively Street Party, one of the first events of this year's Caterham Festival.  The local shops did a roaring trade, especially the food outlets and pubs that were better prepared for the crowds than they had been last year when the event was held for the first time.   This year's event was bigger, with another music stage in Townend and more stalls selling a variety of items to the thousands of passers-by.  The fun started at 12.45 with the kids' and adult's boat races, followed by a packed programme of live music offering something for everyone, from classical music to rock, school choirs, and even a flute band.  Organiser and Chairman of the Caterham Festival, Andy Parr, said:  "It was all about the community coming together, and people came up to volunteer to help on the day which was even better.  We had plenty of helpers clearing up at the end which meant I was able to get to my pint quicker!  Everyone wanted to be involved which meant there were lots of different things for people to do – nobody got bored!"

The police attended the event but there were no reports of any incidents, apart from a handbag, which had been found in the recreation ground in Townend, being handed in to the police with its contents intact, including a purse containing cash.