FAMILIES in Frampton Cotterell donned extravagant headwear at a floral hat festival last weekend.

Hatmaking was once a major source of employment for Frampton Cotterell residents, so the two-day event was a chance to celebrate the village's heritage. 

Organised by Floral Friends of Frampton Cotterell alongside Zion Church, the hat festival included refreshments, live music and displays of hats and flowers. 

Many residents got into the spirit of things and came along wearing their own floral hat, while the Local History Society gave a talk on the hat making industry and its importance to the area.

Children were entertained with a rabbit trail (as rabbits were used in hatting) and took part in hatmaking workshops.

Celia Zlobec, Chairman of Floral Friends, told the Gazette that she was "delighted" to see so many people turnout to enjoy the event.

"It was a wonderful community event, bringing together both young and old in a heartwarming atmosphere," she said.

"The floral hat displays were all inspiring and amazing - such thought and care had gone into them.

"We were entertained my superb musicians and the talks given by local historians on our hatting heritage were all really interesting.

"Thank you to everyone who came along and supported us - all of the money we raised over the weekend will be used to fund more flowers for Frampton Cotterell."