AROUND 1,500 people rubbed shoulders with royalty at a church fundraiser.

St Nicolas' Church, in Witham, delighted visitors with its 44th Medieval Fayre.

The sunny weather attracted approximately 1,500 people who gathered on the church grounds for an afternoon of merriment.Braintree and Witham Times: Tonns - The sunny weather attracted approximately 1,500 peopleTonns - The sunny weather attracted approximately 1,500 people (Image: St Nicholas Medieval Fayre)

Braintree and Witham Times: Fayre -this years festivities included range of activities, food and drink stallsFayre -this years festivities included range of activities, food and drink stalls (Image: St Nicholas Medieval Fayre)

Traditional side stalls, jazz bands, morris dancers, crafts, archery, cream teas, bouncy castles and an assault course ensured there was something for everyone to enjoy.

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This year's fayre embraced the theme of Kings and Queens, chosen to coincide with the recent coronation.

The atmosphere transported attendees back in time, allowing them to experience the splendour and pageantry of medieval life.Braintree and Witham Times: Enjoying - St Nicolas' Church in Witham delighted visitors with its 44th Medieval FayreEnjoying - St Nicolas' Church in Witham delighted visitors with its 44th Medieval Fayre (Image: St Nicholas Medieval Fayre)

Braintree and Witham Times: Themed - This year's fayre embraced the theme of Kings and Queens, chosen to coincide with the recent CoronationThemed - This year's fayre embraced the theme of Kings and Queens, chosen to coincide with the recent Coronation (Image: St Nicholas Medieval Fayre)

A fayre spokesman said: "We had around 1,500 people attend the fayre thanks to the beautiful weather we were blessed with. 

"The Medieval Fayre has a bunch of attractions for all ages to make sure that everyone enjoyed their time.

"We have decided to go forward with the royal theme this year, to celebrate the historic event, which has happened earlier this year - the Coronation of King Charles III.Braintree and Witham Times: Family fun - The Medieval Fayre has a bunch of attractions for all ages to make sure that everyone enjoyed their timeFamily fun - The Medieval Fayre has a bunch of attractions for all ages to make sure that everyone enjoyed their time (Image: St Nicholas Medieval Fayre)

Braintree and Witham Times: Fundraising - The Medieval Fayre is a crucial fundraising event for St Nicolas' ChurchFundraising - The Medieval Fayre is a crucial fundraising event for St Nicolas' Church (Image: St Nicholas Medieval Fayre)

"The fayre is our main fundraising event, so we are glad that everyone was able to enjoy it to the fullest."

The Medieval Fayre is a crucial fundraising event for St Nicolas' Church, not only for its financial contributions but also for its role in bringing together the community and visitors from further afield, who have the chance to explore the church's beautiful grounds.

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Committee chairman Chris Read said: "It was a great afternoon and a really good atmosphere as the crowds enjoyed all the various stalls, sideshows and varied attractions along with a cream tea, barbecue and Prosecco. All of which was helped by the good weather."Braintree and Witham Times: Delicious - food served during the 44th Medieval Festival in WithamDelicious - food served during the 44th Medieval Festival in Witham (Image: St Nicholas Medieval Fayre)

Held annually on the last Saturday of June, the fayre is a highlight of the summer calendar, and the organising committee is already preparing for next year's event.