Montpelier Bean Fest success

The revival of an 18th century Bristol festival was such a success that it may become an annual event.

Hundreds of people flocked to the Montpelier Bean Feast on Saturday, and organisers now plan to consult residents to see if they would like it to be held every year.

"The response has been fantastic. Many residents volunteered time or resources, which made for a really fun, friendly and creative atmosphere," said Sally Jenkins, one of the team behind the revival.

The original Montpelier Bean Feast is described in an historical account of the Old England pub as a "famous event at which a mock mayor, sheriff and other civic dignitaries were solemnly elected and much ale was drunk by the delighted spectators". This year's event at St Andrews Road and Montpelier Park retained the election of mock dignitaries.

However, there were also new events, including the launch of a new Montpelier Goodie Bag for local shopping, and a cook-off of bean dishes by local chefs, which was won by Mela Indian Takeaway from York Road.

The Montpelier Bean Feast has left a permanent legacy on St Andrews Road with "tagged" garage doors that have been transformed by local artists.