A CUDDLY baboon stole the show on Saturday night, having been taken along by Mary Baulk, who runs the Butterfly Puppet Theatre.

Throughout the evening, when the emphasis was on fun for children (of all ages), Mrs Baulk and her collection of animals encouraged the youngsters to join in the actions and singing. We heard Incy Wincey Spider, complete with the spider down the waterspout, Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, and learned that Old MacDonald had a baboon, a crocodile, a gopher, a tiger, a raccoon and a monkey on his farm!

The Valentines led the entertainment, from the opening Feeling Good, encouraging the audience to join in all the popular songs such as Wooden Heart, Boogie Woogie Blues and Plaisir d'Amore.

The children were delighted to join in making bubbles as the choir sang I'm Forever Blowing Bubbles in barber-shop style, and native American head-dresses were sported by the choir, children and yours truly as everyone joined in Running Bear.

The programme ended with songs from Les Miserables.

The kids in the audience, aged from under two to over 80, all had a great time, singing and joining in the actions on this happy evening.

What a pity more people didn't go along to support the festival, the Valentines, Mrs Baulk and Baboo the baboon.

VJS