DOWNING Street will be reclaimed from the motorist for one day only tomorrow (Saturday) as Farnham Maltings' annual festival spills out into the town centre. The street will be closed to traffic from 7.30am to 8pm (at the latest) as the Maltings combines with Farnham Town Council to provide a taste of how life could be if the town is ever partially pedestrianised. A craft market will occupy the street from 10am to 4pm, with music in the afternoon including jazz, folk and sea shanties. "I just thought it's a chance for us to try this out, working with the town council, with Jeremy Hunt and Waverley," explained Maltings chief executive Gavin Stride. "Rather than sitting in meetings, let's give it a go. People I have met in the supermarkets say 'good on you', particularly young mothers who struggle in the town amid all the traffic." Two-way traffic will be operating in the section of Downing Street between Central and Waggon Yard car parks and diversion signs will be placed at key points round the town. Meanwhile, activities will take place in every space of the Maltings, from the Great Hall to the car park, over a mad 12 hours, from 11am to 11pm, and all for a £1 entry fee. The event, which last year attracted 5,000 visitors, kicks off Farnham Creates - a community arts festival which will bring together all the best things about Farnham and showcase them over May. The Maltings will be setting out its stall in spectacular fashion, with food and drink, live music to all tastes plus comedy, theatre, dance and film, art, workshops for all ages plus storytelling and face-painting among other activities for children. From 7pm-10.30pm the Hog Rats will occupy the Great Hall to conduct a giant barn dance then the event will wind up with a fireworks finale. For further programme information pick up a brochure or see the website http://www.farnhammaltings.com">www.farnhammaltings.com
