It was chock-a-block in Petersfield as people tried to find a park to attend an annual festival.

The East Hampshire Dementia Festival returned for its fourth year on October 4. Attendees included local MP Damian Hinds, Cllr Adeel Shah, Petersfield town mayor Cllr Lesley Farrow and more.

Opening the event, Mr Hinds said: “East Hampshire Dementia inspired by Jeff Williams - we remember Jeff having started Dementia Friendly Petersfield.

“He then had this idea for getting everybody together and it was his idea to call it a festival.

“His point was that we need to celebrate all the great work that people do and that it is possible to live well with dementia. There is so much to so much to learn from here and to learn from each other.”

Kicking off the festival, The Rosemary Foundation held a talk about the hospice services it provides to patients (including those with dementia) and their families.

Petersfield Dementia Choir provided live entertainment and the Dementia Bus had a virtual experience of what it might be like to have the disease.

Shine Radio’s Julie Butler, was in attendance as a Dementia Friendly Petersfield volunteer. She was a district councillor and cabinet lead for communities and wellbeing when Jeff came to her about the festival. She spoke about how her mother-in-law had dementia and that anything that promotes awareness is vital.

Staff from Petersfield’s Taro Leisure Centre talked about quiet swims for people with the disease. Plus, the benefits of exercise for them and drop in cafes where people can share experiences regarding Parkinson’s and dementia.

The Hunter Centre had Twiddle Muffs, fluffy hand warmers which provide objects for people with dementia to distract themselves with. Other stalls focused on library services, support options, making memories and more.

People are already looking forward to next year’s festival.