By Sarah-Marie Sage

Excited crowds packed Ashford High Street yesterday as a day of festive fun came to the town.
JZM2ATYKMMH8 Staff from Ashford Hospital radio station (AHBS) lead the jollities for the 2009 Festive Family Fun Day with local musicians, including Britain’s Got Talent contestant Martin Matcham, and auditions for Ashford's Got Talent entertaining families and children.

Throughout the day, live auditions for Ashford’s Got Talent took place on stage. During the breaks in auditions, the crowds were kept entertained by EQ2, an acoustic duo who are part of Equilibrium X, and fun and games with AHBS.

Also returning to the stage were last year’s winners. From the over 19s category, Jatinga, sung original music and a Christmas song written especially for the day while Ollie Line, from the 18 and under group wowed the crowds with Let It Snow!

By the time Kent musician, Martin Matcham from Britain’s Got Talent took the stage with his flashing guitars the crowds were packed and the high street was filled with excited children and families.

Billy the Button, covered in his own sparkly lights, was brought onto the stage ready to turn on the lights – he was waiting to be pressed by Dave Lee from the Marlowe Pantomime who kept the crowds laughing.

He was also joined by the Mayor and Lady Mayoress of Ashford and Shannon Humphrey, 2009 Child of Courage. Shannon was nominated by the staff on Padua ward at the William Harvey Hospital 2009 Child of Courage due to her courageous fight against Leukaemia.

> Ashford Hospital Broadcasting Service