THE first Newton Abbot Festival has been hailed a 'real community success' by organisers.

Saturday's festival showcased the town's talent with music, dancing, storytelling and skateboarding displays; just some of the entertainment that was on offer.

Different groups, including Teignbridge Council, the town council, local businesses and the police, worked together to bring the festival to fruition.

The all-day event was blessed by sunny weather and was officially opened at the clock tower by mayor Cllr David Howe.

Community Plan coordinator, Jane Ballantyne, said: 'It was a great day and it was exciting to see the way the whole community linked up and pulled together to make it happen.

'I'd like to say thank you to all the volunteers who helped out and a particular thank you to the town council.'

On the day, the main entertainment was focused around the clock tower, while young people's events, including BMXing and a graffiti wall, took place at the Expression Zone in the police station car park.

Old Forde House hosted a day of Darwin-themed events and local businesses put on their own entertainment including a teddy bears' picnic at Magpie's gift shop.

Ale and food-tasting trails were also on offer, leading visitors to pubs and restaurants around Newton Abbot.

Some enthusiastic townspeople enjoyed dancing to music by the clock tower well into the evening.

'The whole area was alive, there was a fantastic atmosphere,' said Ms Ballantyne.

Despite a good turnout overall some festival events were less well attended.

At the poetry reading there were five poets but only two people in the audience.

'We were trying something new with the festival so it was a bit of an experiment and of course you don't get everything right first time,' said Ms Ballantyne.

'I don't know whether poetry was the right thing for Newton Abbot or whether it was just at the wrong time of day.'

Ms Ballantyne said she hoped the festival would run annually, or even more frequently.

'We need to reflect on what worked and what we can improve on and see how we can take it forwards,' she said.

'Hopefully we could have a festival on a regular basis.'