Thousands of Thai people arrived at Warwick Racecourse for the 20th annual Thai festival last weekend, leaving Warwick Rotary Club delighted with the large turnout.

Partners Magic of Thailand managed the event, bringing all the artists and stalls.

Saturday and Sunday were bright and hot as crowds arrived for a great weekend of food and culture.

Prayers and blessings by Buddhist Monks added to the atmosphere throughout the weekend.

Rotary President Jon Wassall told the crowds that Warwick Rotary has worked with the Thai people since the Tsunami in 2004 when it started an annual festival of culture and food to raise money to help orphans.

The club has stayed in touch over the years and sent aid to Thailand during the pandemic.

Traditional dancers at the festival (image supplied)

Warwick Mayor Cllr Jackie D'Arcy welcomed visitors to Warwick and opened proceedings, and on Sunday, local MP Matt Western, recently appointed Trade Envoy to Thailand, turned up to "do his homework" and chatted to traders and visitors.

Crowds sampled a wide range of Thai foods and deserts, then it was time to get a Singha beer or something more exotic and settle down to watch a programme of Thai traditional dancing, a great show by Ladyboys and a demonstration by local Muay Thai kick boxers from Urban Fitness Gym in Leamington.

It wasn't long before the crowd started to party down by the stage! Clothing sold well, and spices and foodstuffs did a busy trade as the opportunity was taken to stock up.

Rotary is grateful to Warwick Racecourse for providing their facilities; for 2nd Warwick Sea Scouts parking the cars for donations for their funds; sponsors Startin Kia who brought some cars to view; and Warwick Castle's sponsorship; and hopes to have raised funds to continue their charitable work.

Those interested in helping with Warwick Rotary Club's work should visit www.warwickrotary.org.uk and get in touch with either,

Jackie Crampton, Warwick Rotary Club on 01926 492 496, Alan Bailey on 01789 268618 07463 755529 or Magic of Thailand's Jackie Winitkun 078 321 39802.

President Jon Wassall, greets Warwick Mayor Cllr Jackie D'Arcy (image supplied)